One of the first Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League games at Old Trafford, a pulsating stalemate that went goalless into stoppage time before the ref rewarded Man Utd with a penalty. Ruud van Nistelrooy steps up to take it. Jens Lehmann dances on the touchline, trying to trick the impeccable Dutch striker. Ruud runs, fools the German keeper, but his shot ends on the crossbar, thus wasting United’s ultimate chance to win the big derby against Arsenal.It happened 19 years ago and kickstarted the Gunners’ glorious unbeaten EPL campaign, which went into history as ‘The Invincibles’. And it could have been so different if only Van Nistelrooy didn’t miss.Almost two decades later, the same man returns to England on Thursday night, hoping to top the Gunners (only this time at the Emirates) and redeem himself a bit.Of course, we’re joking a bit about that last one, as he did in the match preview ahead of the Europa League tie between his PSV and Arsenal. The witty Dutchman pointed out in a press conference he’s responsible for creating that Arsenal’s title-winning streak.”I expect a warm welcome,” he said. “I kept them invincible because of my miss.””I didn’t react to what happened after the miss because of the incredible disappointment I felt at not bringing the win for my club,” the coach pointed out.🗣️ “I expect a warm welcome tomorrow, I kept them [Arsenal] invincible!” PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on his penalty miss at Old Trafford. 🤣pic.twitter.com/5W2TvNSWfv— TheAFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) October 20, 2022 “The pressure was intense for both teams because you are competing for the Premier League and it’s possible it will be decided in those games.”It’s 20 years ago now. It doesn’t define me but coming back to England and to Arsenal, memories come back of my time there and those two infamous games are part of it.”Years later, it is great to look back and have a laugh. But I always think my time in England was five years not two games. I was able to win fantastic titles with United. Those two games were part of a very famous period working under Sir Alex [Ferguson] and playing with so many fantastic players.”I don’t think I will get a good reception but that is good. It is part of the banter in football stadiums.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6735973##As a player, Van Nistelrooy scored an impressive 150 goals in five seasons at Manchester United from 2001.
