The “Battle of Old Trafford” is a name used by the British press to refer to a Premier League match played on Sunday, 21 September 2003 between Manchester United and Arsenal.
The highlights of the match included the sending-off of Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira for a second bookable offence, for an incident that also brought about a booking for Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, and the decision by referee Steve Bennett to award Manchester United a penalty in the last minute of the match.
Van Nistelrooy subsequently took the penalty himself and missed which sparked aggressive reactions towards the Dutch forward resulting in players from both teams being charged by the FA for violent conduct.
Five Arsenal players and two Manchester United players were forced to pay fines.
During an interview with OxfordUnion Van Nistelrooy recalled the crazy events and shed his opinion on “that penalty” at Old Trafford.