<P> Though the rivalry cooled, the two clubs were still involved in engrossing battles; The Guardian's Jamie Jackson wrote after a November 2007 fixture: "For once here was enough spectacle to meet the pre-match hype and convince the millions watching around the world that the Premier League may just have the best footballers who can play the very best stuff ." In 2009, the teams met in the semi-finals of the 2008--09 UEFA Champions League, which United won 4--1 on aggregate . United defender Patrice Evra was blunt in his post-match assessment: "It was 11 men against 11 children . We never doubted ourselves . We have much more experience and that's what made the difference ." </P> <P> In December 2010, Ferguson made a personal plea to the United fans to no longer sing a "sick" chant at Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, as those kind of chants from fans were considered an embarrassment to the club . With both teams going for the Premier League title in May 2011, Arsenal won their first game against Manchester United since November 2008, to leave United just three points ahead of Chelsea and six ahead of Arsenal going into the final three games of the season . Nevertheless, United won the league, nine points ahead of Chelsea and 12 points ahead of Arsenal . </P> <P> In August 2011, Arsenal suffered their heaviest league defeat in 84 years as they lost 8--2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford . Arsenal had not lost a league game by such a margin since 1927 when they lost 7--0 to West Ham United in the old Football League First Division . This was also the first time they had conceded eight goals in a game since 1896, when they lost 8--0 to the now defunct Loughborough in the old Football League Second Division . A year later, striker Robin van Persie joined United, having stated that he would not renew his contract with Arsenal . It was speculated that he would move to a club overseas, but signed for the Manchester club, the first Arsenal player to do so since Viv Anderson in 1987 . Ferguson called Wenger to push through a deal when he learnt of the contract situation . Van Persie was instrumental in United's league win of 2012--13--Ferguson's last, and coincidentally received a guard of honour by his former teammates before United faced Arsenal at the Emirates in April 2013 . </P> <P> The appointment of Mourinho as United manager in 2016 added a new twist to the rivalry, given the previous animosity between him and Wenger . Sports writer Daniel Taylor however argued that Wenger's stagnation hindered any confrontations between the two managers, writing: "Ferguson stopped aiming his barbs at Wenger once it became clear his old enemy was no longer capable of producing title - winning teams and it doesn't feel like a coincidence that Mourinho also seems indifferent now that Arsenal have dropped even further back ." Former midfielder Phil Neville criticised the players for hugging in the tunnel before a league fixture in May 2017, calling the pleasantries a "total nonsense". </P>

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