Football: Arsenal prepare to give Man United a guard of honour

Manchester United are expected be given a guard of honour by Arsenal when they walk out at the Emirates on Sunday – but why? 

                                          Honoured: Manchester United saluted Arsenal's title winning side at Higbury in 1991

It is not compulsory for any club to provide a guard of honour if they face the newly crowned League champions but is a ceremony agreed between the two clubs.

It is understandable that Arsenal would put one on for United, who first celebrated the Gunners' 1991 league title win, giving them a guard of honour at Highbury.

The Manchester club have a history of respecting opponents and they also honoured Chelsea lifting the Premier League trophy in 2005. To reciprocate, Chelsea did the same for United two years later. Everton also celebrated United's title success on the last day of the season in 2003 at Goodison Park.

But it is not exclusive to the modern era, and occurred as far back as 1955 when United provided one for Chelsea. It is not just used for title winners either – a guard was formed in 2011 by United and Sunderland to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 25 years in charge. Newcastle players also applauded Arsenal on to St James' Park in 1994 when they won the European Cup-Winners' Cup.

                                           Guard of Honour: United applaud Chelsea on to the Old Trafford pitch in May 2005

It is an act that demonstrates a huge level of respect, but one that jars with many players and fans alike. The show must go on however- Congratulations Manchester United