Arsenal news: Players from both sides shared personal exchanges between each other prior to the Gunners' fixture with Manchester United
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has criticised Arsenal and United players for their behaviour towards each other in the tunnel pre-match.
And as the teams lined up in the Emirates Stadium tunnel, cameras showed both sets of players talking to each other and sharing a minor joke. United's new signing Sergio Reguilon and Casemiro were pictured shaking hands with Martin Odegaard before England teammates Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford sharing a quick hug as they walked out of the tunnel.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Keane was asked what his thoughts were on the pre-match ritual between players. He said: "Look, all jokes aside, I am looking in the tunnel there and look, everyone thinks I am old school but you don't want to be chatting with people you are going into battle with because you are going to be kicking lumps out of each other.
"I'll shake your hand after the game, but not before you go into a battle. But hey, maybe these younger players will educate me."
Keane has previously criticised players for their actions in the tunnel Back in 2019, he ranted at Man United and Liverpool players for hugging each other prior to a clash between the two sides.
"I’m disgusted with players (scenes in the tunnel). You’re going to war, they’re hugging and kissing. Don’t even look at the opposition. You’re going into battle against them.
"The game hasn’t changed that much, the players have changed. You’re going to war against these players and they’re hugging each other. Chat to them after the game, or don’t even chat to them after the game."