Martin Keown apologises to Ruud van Nistelrooy for ‘shenanigans’ as old rivals bury hatchet

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have laid the past to rest more than two decades after their infamous row at Old Trafford.

Pundit Keown apologised to Foxes manager Van Nistelrooy for the "shenanigans" of 2003.

Keown and Van Nistelrooy clashed during a memorable encounter between Arsenal and Manchester United 22 years ago known as the "Battle of Old Trafford".

At the height of the intense rivalry between the two clubs and their respective managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, a goalless draw ended in unpleasant scenes as Van Nistelrooy's missed penalty late on was followed by the Dutch forward being confronted by a group of angry Arsenal players.

Keown sparked the full-blown brawl when he jumped up alongside Van Nistelrooy and shoulder-charged him, prompting a scuffle between the two sets of players. The Football Association subsequently charged both clubs, and the incident has become a notable part of history.

"Martin, are you alright? Nice to see you," Van Nistelrooy said after the two had a friendly handshake on the touchline.

Keown replied: “Good to see you.”

Van Nistelrooy added: "It's been a while, hasn't it? I saw you once at Villa Park, don't you remember?"

Keown said: "Yes. Sorry for all the nonsense that went on back in the day."

Van Nistelrooy dismissed the 2003 incident prior to the pair reflecting on the "good rivalry" with an exchange of strategies from their renowned feud.

“Ah, what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch,” Van Nistelrooy said. “I'm pleased to have him in front of me, not behind me, you see. It was a good rivalry, wasn't it?”

Keown agreed: “Great days, great days. I am glad you are standing there and not next to me because you used to love kicking me.”

Van Nistelrooy admitted: ‘I would like to block you out as well... and then fall over, I'm afraid!’

Keown did have the last word when he mentioned Leicester's precarious Premier League situation.

Additional reporting by PA

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