At the beginning of the Premier League era, both teams were staunch opposition. And main title favorites.
That was when the main rivalry in the league was between Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson. Remember Arsenal's invincibles, remember their 49 match unbeaten run was ended by United.
Until Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, United were still a top contender for the Premier League title any season.
The Gunners however over the last five seasons, have always pitched their final position on the table between third and fourth. Fans have blamed Wenger for not wanting to spend huge on transfer and being responsible for the team's consistent inconsistency.
Three years after Sir Alex retirement, United seem to have joined the Gunners in the ultimate top four battle.
This season has been fair to the Gunners, currently occupying the third position, in a season that has been cryptic.
Title already won by Leicester, while Tottenham have been deservedly guaranteed a top four finish.
All things been equal, the Gunners should maintain their third position till the end of the season.
West Ham's loss to Swansea on Saturday meant the race for the fourth place is effectively between both Manchester teams.
City are currently fourth on the table, leading United with a point. The Citizens however face the Gunners on Sunday in what has been a disastrous week for them.
Manuel pellegrini's men lost 4-2 to Southampton on Sunday in a match the Chilean rested some of his stars for their midweek Champions League semifinal second leg in Madrid.
City however showed their inexperience in Europe as they failed to show up at the Bernabeu losing 1-0 to an average Real Madrid performance.
In what would be their second defeat in four days.
The Citizens now play Arsenal in a match that put their top four hopes on the line.
A draw or defeat will tilt the top four edge towards United, who play West Ham away on Tuesday in their outstanding game.
Arsenal will be having massive support from an unlikely foe (United) on Sunday.
Van Gaal led the charge, when he said:
“I’m more or less tomorrow, indeed, a Gunners fan but it will be a tough game between these kind of teams." After his team defeated Norwich.
It is a game United fans will be watching or following passionately.
A Man City victory will all but end United's top four hopes or push it to the last round of matches, if United can defeat West Ham on Tuesday.
This Sunday, The Red side of Manchester will be supporting Arsenal against the Blue side of Manchester.
C'mon Arsenal.
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