LONDON – As Manchester United prepare to face Arsenal this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, the “Red Devils” have confirmed a wardrobe choice that has sent fans down memory lane. United will take to the pitch in their all-black away kit, a direct reference to one of the most famous encounters in Premier League history.
The decision evokes memories of the legendary 4-2 victory over Arsenal at Highbury in 2005. That match is widely regarded as the “final chapter” of the fierce rivalry between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, just before José Mourinho’s Chelsea began to disrupt their domestic hegemony.
A Night of Legends at Highbury
The 2005 clash remains etched in English football folklore. Arsenal’s “Invincibles” era featured stars like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Dennis Bergkamp, while a young Cesc Fàbregas was just beginning his rise.
Manchester United countered with the “Old Guard” of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and Rio Ferdinand, alongside a rising superstar in Cristiano Ronaldo. In a dramatic turn of events, Vieira opened the scoring, but a brace from Ronaldo and a clinical finish from John O’Shea secured a historic comeback for the visitors.
🌓 We will be wearing black at Arsenal on Sunday.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2026
Familiar Faces in New Roles
Adding another layer of intrigue to Sunday’s match is the presence of Gabriel Heinze. The former United defender, who played in that iconic 2005 victory, now serves as an assistant coach to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
While the kit brings nostalgic vibes, the stakes remain modernly high. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM (UK Time) this Sunday, as both sides look to secure a crucial three points in the race for the top four.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
