Van Nistelrooy ended a feud born in Manchester over 20 years ago

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Martin Keown have finally put their past animosity behind them, making peace 22 years after their infamous clash in 'The Battle of Old Trafford'. The reconciliation took place during a pre-match interview ahead of Leicester City's clash with Arsenal, with both men now working in different roles within the footballing world.

The Infamous Clash

In 2003, Manchester United and Arsenal faced off in a highly charged Premier League encounter. The tension boiled over in the closing stages of the match, when a confrontation between Patrick Vieira and van Nistelrooy resulted in the Frenchman's dismissal.

Penalty Drama

Moments later, Keown conceded a penalty, which van Nistelrooy proceeded to miss. The Arsenal players, including Keown, reacted with unbridled jubilation, seemingly mocking the Dutchman for his role in Vieira's red card.

Aftermath and Sanctions

The incident sparked a mass brawl, with several Arsenal players facing sanctions for their conduct. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but the events that transpired would be etched in footballing history. Interestingly, a young Cristiano Ronaldo was present during the melee.

Reconciliation 22 Years Later

Fast forward 22 years, and van Nistelrooy and Keown have crossed paths once again. Van Nistelrooy is now the manager of Leicester City, while Keown works as a pundit for TNT Sports.

A Heartfelt Apology

During the pre-match interview, Keown extended a heartfelt apology to van Nistelrooy for his behaviour all those years ago. Van Nistelrooy, in turn, played down the incident, stating, "What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I'm happy to have you in front of me and not behind me. It was a good rivalry."

A Sign of Maturity

The reconciliation between van Nistelrooy and Keown is a testament to their maturity and professionalism. They have both moved on from the incident and are now able to look back on it with a sense of perspective.