Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
- United win 4-3 on penalties.
The first competitive match of the season was a very good one for Man. United. They dominated the match in very high temperature's against an Arsenal side that didn't quite look match fit yet. Silvestre opened the scoring after just 15 minutes with a headed goal after Keane's flick on from a corner. Henry pulled the score level with a free-kick from 35 yards out that Howard just managed to get a fingertip on, but just couldn't keep out. After that United played the better football and only the performance of Sol Campbell stopped Arsenal losing by 3 or 4 goals.
Also:
*Francis Jeffers was sent off about midway into the second half by lashing out at Phil Neville. Campbell and Ashley Cole were lucky to still be on the pitch at the end of the match as they both made challenges that could have warrented a red card (or second yellow)
*Jens Lehmann made an average debut, he looked dodgy at time but did pull of an excellent save from Van Nistelrooy in the penalty shoot out.
*Phil Neville limped off not long after his clash with Jeffers. Hopefully the injury won't be too bad.
*Tim Howard made an impressive debut for United, saving two penalties and looking confident on crosses and corners. He couldn't do much to stop the free-kick.
*Overall Manchester United were the better team and more than deserved to win this match today.
Community Shield 2003! 
Ashley Cole can consider himself very luck to get away with his blantent kick at Solskjaer right in front of the referee!
