Players who appeared both for Arsenal and Manchester United occupy a unique place in English football history, having crossed one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries during their careers . These careers are fascinating because they cross the divide between two of the Premier League’s most historic and fiercest rivals. From the iconic Highbury days to the glory years at Old Trafford, these players have worn both red and red-and-white with distinction, carving unique legacies in the beautiful game.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Midfield Creator With Dual City Impact
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of the more modern names on our list of Players Who Appeared Both for Arsenal and Manchester United. He arrived at Old Trafford in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund, offering creative flair in midfield and a memorable Europa League final goal in 2017. His time at United earned him respect, but it was at Arsenal where he truly showed his attacking instincts, registering nine goals for the Gunners before moving on in 2019.
Danny Welbeck: Local Hero Turned Gunners Favorite
Danny Welbeck’s career paints a classic Northern England story. A Manchester United academy graduate, Welbeck became part of the first team in 2008, contributing to a League Cup win and scoring crucial goals in European competitions. In 2014, he joined Arsenal, where his work ethic and versatility made him a fan favorite. Injuries hampered his progress, but he still played a pivotal role in FA Cup successes for the Gunners.
Robin van Persie: A Premier League Phenomenon at Both Clubs
Robin van Persie arguably stands tallest among Players Who Appeared Both for Arsenal and Manchester United. After shining at Feyenoord, he made his name with Arsenal, scoring a stunning volley and winning the league’s Golden Boot in 2012. His move to Manchester United in 2012 proved pivotal. Van Persie fired United to the Premier League title in his first season, narrowly winning the Golden Boot again. His steely finishing remains one of the Premier League’s most impactful dual-club stories.
Mikaël Silvestre: Defender Bridging Rivalry Lines
French defender Mikaël Silvestre enjoyed a rich nine seasons with Manchester United between 1999 and 2008, winning multiple Premier League titles and featuring in the club’s Champions League success. In 2008 he became the first player since 1974 to move directly to Arsenal, where he contributed veteran leadership and experience. His unique path makes him a standout example among Players Who Appeared Both for Arsenal and Manchester United.
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Viv Anderson: Premier League Pioneer With A Rival Footprint
Viv Anderson’s career is notable for more than just his club movements. A trailblazer as the first black player to represent England at the senior level, Anderson enjoyed success at Nottingham Forest before joining Arsenal in 1984. He claimed League Cup silverware with the Gunners and later moved to Manchester United, where he became Sir Alex Ferguson’s first signing as manager. His presence marks a historic chapter in the rivalry between the two clubs.
Frank Stapleton: A Forward Who Scored For Both Giants
Frank Stapleton featured prominently in early lists of players who appeared both for Arsenal and Manchester United due to his powerful forward play in both red and red-and-white. Beginning his professional journey with Arsenal in the 1970s, Stapleton scored more than a hundred goals for the Gunners and won the FA Cup. A move to United in 1981 saw him continue his scoring record and lift FA Cup honors again, making his story one of two great chapters in English football history.
George Graham: From Midfield Engine To Management Legend
George Graham’s journey from player to iconic manager illustrates a different kind of crossover between Arsenal and Manchester United. As a midfielder in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he turned out for both clubs, before later forging a legendary managerial legacy at Arsenal. While better known for his successes guiding the Gunners than for his United days, Graham remains one of the classic examples of a football life intertwined with both institutions.
Notable Veterans You Might Have Missed:
Beyond the headline names above, the history books list other footballers who earned first-team minutes for both clubs, from Brian Kidd to Jimmy Rimmer and Ian Ure. Each contributed to the shared heritage and rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United in their own ways, reminding fans just how interconnected football’s rich tapestry can be.
Also Read: Top 7 Football Coaches With Longest Stint In History
