Erik ten Hag says there’s ‘no question’ that Roy Keane was better than Patrick Vieira.
Arsenal take on at Old Trafford this afternoon, with the Gunners looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points.
The Gunners’ early season form, along with the three wins United have put together on the bounce, has given the fixture an importance that it hasn’t felt for years.
Between 1998 and 2004, the two teams shared the league title with United winning four Premier Leagues to Arsenal’s three.
Keane and Vieira were the leaders of their respective sides and often the victor of their individual battle would be on the winning side of the day.
Before the debate between Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard was an even fiercer argument over Vieira and Keane.
But Ten Hag says there’s ‘no question’ the Irishman was superior to Vieira.
Asked to pick between the two midfielders, Ten Hag said: ‘That’s clear, no question. It’s Keane.’
Today’s tie is unlikely to see the type of fierce rivalry that encapsulated the matches of the late 1990s.
However, Casemiro looks set to make his full debut for United following his £60m arrival from Real Madrid.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is set for a late fitness test to see if he can start at Old Trafford, while Aaron Ramsdale is expected to be passed fit.
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