On this day 13 years ago, Arsenal gave Manchester United a guard of honour at the Emirates Stadium after the Red Devils secured the Premier League title — a moment made even more emotional by the presence of former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.
Van Persie had completed a high-profile move from Arsenal to Manchester United ahead of the 2012–13 season, a transfer that sparked intense debate among supporters.
His immediate impact at United proved decisive, as he played a central role in guiding the club to the league title under Sir Alex Ferguson.
When Manchester United visited Arsenal shortly after clinching the trophy, the home side lined up to applaud the newly crowned champions onto the pitch. The moment, however, carried a unique emotional weight for Van Persie, who had spent eight years at Arsenal before making the switch to their rivals.
Reflecting on the occasion, Van Persie admitted that while he respected the tradition of a guard of honour, the experience felt uncomfortable given his deep connection to Arsenal.
“I think it’s a nice gesture… but it just didn’t feel right, not for me and not for Arsenal,” Van Persie said.
The Dutch striker acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation, as he walked past former teammates and staff who had shared many years of success and challenges with him at the North London club.
“It was a little bit awkward… I didn’t feel really comfortable about that,” he added.
Despite the symbolic respect shown by Arsenal, Van Persie suggested that, from his perspective, the gesture may not have been necessary in that specific context, considering the circumstances surrounding his departure and the rivalry between the two clubs.
“From my point of view, it didn’t need to happen.”
The guard of honour remains one of the most talked-about moments from that Premier League season — not just because Manchester United had secured another title, but because it involved one of Arsenal’s most iconic former players returning as a champion with a direct rival.
