Arnold Muhren: Man United midfielder Profile & Stats
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Portrait of Arnold Muhren

Arnold Muhren

Position: midfielder

Holland Holland flag

PWDLFA

HAN P W D L F A Diff Win%
H 48 35 10 3 105 29 +76 72.92
A 46 16 13 17 67 68 -1 34.78
N 4 2 1 1 9 4 +5 50.00
TOTALS 98 53 24 21 181 101 +80 54.08

Name: Arnoldus Johannes Hyacinthus "Arnold" Muhren
Birthdate: 02-06-1951
Age: 74
Birthplace: Vollendam, Netherlands
Height: 5' 10" (1.78m)
Weight: 10st 11lbs (68.49kg)
Years at Club: 1982-1985
Signing Info: Transferred from: Ipswich Town, 08/1982, £
Previous Clubs: Ajax Amsterdam, Twente Enschede, Ipswich Town
Debut: 28/08/1982 v Birmingham City (H) 3-0 (League Division One)
Farewell: Transferred to Ajax Amsterdam, 06/1985, £
Passed Away:

Biography

Arnold Mühren is a former Dutch footballer known for his elegance, creativity, and technical prowess as a midfielder. He made his mark at Manchester United during the early 1980s, where his calmness on the ball and precise passing made him a crucial playmaker in the team's midfield. Mühren was also an integral part of the Dutch national team that won the 1988 UEFA European Championship. Renowned for his vision, technique, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Mühren is remembered as one of the most cultured midfielders to have played for Manchester United.

Early Career and Success at Ajax and FC Twente
Born in Volendam, Netherlands, Mühren began his professional career with Ajax in 1971, where he won numerous domestic and European titles, including the Eredivisie and the European Cup. After a brief spell at FC Twente, Mühren moved to Ipswich Town in 1978, where he became one of the first Dutch players to make an impact in English football.

At Ipswich, Mühren played under Bobby Robson and helped the club win the 1981 UEFA Cup. His performances at Ipswich earned him a reputation as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the English game, paving the way for his move to Manchester United.

Career at Manchester United (1982-1985)
Mühren joined Manchester United in 1982 under manager Ron Atkinson. His arrival at Old Trafford was part of an effort to rebuild the team's midfield, and Mühren quickly established himself as a key player. His ability to pick out a pass, control possession, and deliver accurate crosses from set pieces made him a vital cog in United's engine room.

Key Achievements at Manchester United:
1983 FA Cup Victory: One of Mühren's most significant achievements at Manchester United was helping the team win the 1983 FA Cup. United defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 in the replay, after drawing 2-2 in the first match. Mühren's composure and creativity in midfield were crucial to United's success throughout the tournament, and his presence in the final helped control the game in United's favor.
Calmness and Passing Ability: Mühren's pinpoint passing and vision added a new dimension to Manchester United's play. His ability to retain possession and switch the play with ease allowed United to dominate the midfield in many games.
Playing Style: Calm, Composed, and Technically Gifted
Mühren was known for his technical ability, calmness on the ball, and his incredible passing range. He was a player who could dictate the tempo of the game, often controlling the midfield with his precise distribution and intelligence. Mühren's composure under pressure and his ability to deliver accurate passes, whether short or long, made him a key playmaker for Manchester United. His mastery of set pieces, including corners and free kicks, made him a dangerous asset in attacking situations.

International Career with the Netherlands
Mühren enjoyed a successful international career with the Netherlands national team, earning 23 caps between 1978 and 1988. His most notable achievement came in the 1988 UEFA European Championship, where he played a key role in helping the Netherlands win their first major international trophy.

Key Achievements with the Netherlands:
1988 UEFA European Championship Victory: Mühren was instrumental in the Netherlands' success at the 1988 Euros. In the final against the Soviet Union, Mühren provided the assist for Marco van Basten's iconic volley, one of the most famous goals in European Championship history. His contribution to the tournament cemented his place as one of the greats of Dutch football.
Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Manchester United in 1985, Mühren returned to Ajax, where he continued to play at a high level and added more silverware to his collection. He won two Eredivisie titles and the 1987 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Ajax before retiring from professional football in 1989.

Legacy
Arnold Mühren is remembered as one of the most technically accomplished midfielders to have played for Manchester United. His ability to control the game, distribute the ball with precision, and remain calm under pressure made him a standout player during his time at Old Trafford. Mühren's contribution to the 1983 FA Cup victory and his achievements with the Netherlands national team have cemented his legacy as one of football's most respected playmakers.

Summary
Arnold Mühren was a skillful and composed midfielder who played for Manchester United from 1982 to 1985, helping the club win the 1983 FA Cup. Known for his pinpoint passing, vision, and technical ability, Mühren was a key player in United's midfield. He also enjoyed success with the Netherlands, winning the 1988 UEFA European Championship and providing the famous assist for Marco van Basten's legendary volley in the final. Mühren's calmness on the ball and ability to control the game made him one of the most cultured midfielders of his time.
 
Season Goals Season Apps
League Goals League Apps LC Goals LC Apps FAC Goals FAC Apps CS Goals CS Apps EC Goals EC Apps Europa Goals Europa Apps SC Goals SC Apps CWC Goals CWC Apps IC Goals IC Apps CWC Goals CWC Apps Season
Goals
Season
Apps
1. 1982-1983 5 32 1 8 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 46
2. 1983-1984 8 26 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 8 35
3. 1984-1985 0 12 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 17
TOTALS 13 70 1 11 1 8 0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 18 98

Detailed Match & Performance Charts

MUFC Player Goals MUFC Player Appearances MUFC Player Opponent Manager MUFC Player Club Manager
No Opponent Goals Appearances
1. Queens Park Rangers 2 1
2. Arsenal 2 1
3. Raba Vasas Eto 2 2
4. Luton Town 1 1
5. Norwich City 1 1
6. Brighton 1 1
7. Coventry City 1 1
8. Nottingham Forest 1 1
9. Dundee United 1 1
10. Bournemouth 1 1
11. Southampton 1 1
12. Liverpool 1 1
13. Stoke City 1 1
14. Tottenham Hotspur 1 1
15. Notts County 1 1
No MUFC Managers Count
Stadiums Competition Opponents Opponent Nationality
No Competition Count
1. League Division One 70
2. League Cup 11
3. FA Cup 8
4. Cup Winners Cup 5
5. Europa League 3
6. Charity Shield 1
No Opponent Count
1. Nottingham Forest 6
2. Liverpool 6
3. Luton Town 5
4. West Ham United 4
5. Brighton 4
6. Aston Villa 4
7. Southampton 4
8. Sunderland 4
9. Arsenal 4
10. Stoke City 4
11. West Bromwich Albion 3
12. Bournemouth 3
13. Tottenham Hotspur 3
14. Norwich City 3
15. Watford 3
16. Notts County 3
17. Coventry City 3
18. Queens Park Rangers 3
19. Birmingham City 2
20. Everton 2
21. Ipswich Town 2
22. Manchester City 2
23. Bradford City 2
24. Swansea City 2
25. Dukla Prague 2
26. Wolverhampton Wanderers 2
27. Barcelona 2
28. Raba Vasas Eto 2
29. Derby County 1
30. Port Vale 1
31. Spartak Varna 1
32. Oxford United 1
33. Leicester City 1
34. Burnley 1
35. Dundee United 1
36. Chelsea 1
37. Sheffield Wednesday 1
No Opponent Nationality Count
1. England 88
2. Wales 2
3. Czech Republic 2
4. Spain 2
5. Hungary 2
6. Bulgaria 1
7. Scotland 1
Roy Keane own goal v Real Madrid Old Trafford 2000 Cup Finals
No Date Opponent Competition Own Goals
Player has never scored an own goal against the club.
No Date Opponent WDL F-A Competition
1. 26-03-1983 Liverpool L 1-2 League Cup
2. 21-05-1983 Brighton D 2-2 FA Cup
3. 26-05-1983 Brighton W 4-0 FA Cup
4. 20-08-1983 Liverpool W 2-0 Charity Shield
Penalties scored for Manchester United Manchester United Hat-Tricks
No Date Opponents Competition Penaltys
1. 26-05-1983 Brighton FA Cup 1
2. 27-08-1983 Queens Park Rangers League Division One 1
3. 10-09-1983 Luton Town League Division One 1
4. 26-12-1983 Coventry City League Division One 1
5. 17-03-1984 Arsenal League Division One 1
6. 03-10-1984 Raba Vasas Eto Europa League 1
No Date Opponent Competition Goals
Player has never scored a hat-trick or better during a game.
 
Red Cards  
No Date Opponent Competition
Player has never been sent off during a match.
 

All Matches played

No Date Comp Opponent WDL F-A HAN Goal!! Scorers Opponent scorers
1. 28-08-1982 Div 1 Birmingham City W 3-0 H 0 Kevin Moran 47', Frank Stapleton 51', Steve Coppell 73'
2. 01-09-1982 Div 1 Nottingham Forest W 3-0 A 0 Ray Wilkins 72', Norman Whiteside 81', Bryan Robson 88'
3. 04-09-1982 Div 1 West Bromwich Albion L 1-3 A 0 Bryan Robson 36' Martyn Bennett 45', Peter Eastoe 61', Alistair Brown 74'
4. 08-09-1982 Div 1 Everton W 2-1 H 0 Norman Whiteside 22', Bryan Robson 60' Andy King 27'
5. 11-09-1982 Div 1 Ipswich Town W 3-1 H 0 Norman Whiteside 3', 85', Steve Coppell 73' Paul Mariner 33'
6. 23-10-1982 Div 1 Manchester City D 2-2 H 0 Frank Stapleton 54', 81' Dennis Tueart 12', David Cross 48'
7. 26-10-1982 LC Bournemouth D 2-2 A 1 Arnold Muhren 26', Steve Coppell 44' (pen) Paul Compton 28', Trevor Morgan 52'
8. 30-10-1982 Div 1 West Ham United L 1-3 A 0 Kevin Moran 90' Paul Goddard 33', Ray Stewart 52' (pen), Geoff Pike 69'
9. 06-11-1982 Div 1 Brighton L 0-1 A 0 Peter Ward 83'
10. 10-11-1982 LC Bradford City D 0-0 A 0
11. 13-11-1982 Div 1 Tottenham Hotspur W 1-0 H 1 Arnold Muhren 23'
12. 20-11-1982 Div 1 Aston Villa L 1-2 A 0 Frank Stapleton 21' Gary Shaw 11', Peter Withe 53'
13. 24-11-1982 LC Bradford City W 4-1 H 0 Remi Moses 2, Arthur Albiston 11', Kevin Moran 22', Steve Coppell 70' Bobby Campbell 85'
14. 27-11-1982 Div 1 Norwich City W 3-0 H 1 Arnold Muhren 36', Bryan Robson 44', 56'
15. 01-12-1982 LC Southampton W 2-0 H 0 Gordon McQueen 19', Norman Whiteside 88'
16. 04-12-1982 Div 1 Watford W 1-0 A 0 Norman Whiteside 59'
17. 11-12-1982 Div 1 Notts County W 4-0 H 0 Norman Whiteside 24', Frank Stapleton 54', Bryan Robson 56', Mick Duxbury 87'
18. 18-12-1982 Div 1 Swansea City D 0-0 A 0
19. 27-12-1982 Div 1 Sunderland D 0-0 H 0
20. 01-01-1983 Div 1 Aston Villa W 3-1 H 0 Frank Stapleton 29', 77', Steve Coppell 64' Gordon Cowans 31' (pen)
21. 03-01-1983 Div 1 West Bromwich Albion D 0-0 H 0
22. 08-01-1983 FAC West Ham United W 2-0 H 0 Steve Coppell 32', Frank Stapleton 54'
23. 15-01-1983 Div 1 Birmingham City W 2-1 A 0 Norman Whiteside 49', Bryan Robson 55' Kevin Dillon 54' (pen)
24. 19-01-1983 LC Nottingham Forest W 4-0 H 0 Gordon McQueen 3', 63', Steve Coppell 50', Bryan Robson 86'
25. 22-01-1983 Div 1 Nottingham Forest W 2-0 H 1 Steve Coppell 64' (pen), Arnold Muhren 80'
26. 29-01-1983 FAC Luton Town W 2-0 A 0 Remi Moses 46', Kevin Moran 89'
27. 05-02-1983 Div 1 Ipswich Town D 1-1 A 0 Frank Stapleton 46' John Wark 41'
28. 15-02-1983 LC Arsenal W 4-2 A 0 Norman Whiteside 18', Frank Stapleton 43'', Steve Coppell 61', 73' Tony Woodcock 83', Peter Nicholas 85'
29. 19-02-1983 FAC Derby County W 1-0 A 0 Norman Whiteside 84'
30. 23-02-1983 LC Arsenal W 2-1 H 0 Steve Coppell 73', Kevin Moran 90' Raphael Meade 84'
31. 26-02-1983 Div 1 Liverpool D 1-1 H 1 Arnold Muhren 35' Kenny Dalglish 39'
32. 02-03-1983 Div 1 Stoke City L 0-1 A 0 Bren O'Callaghan 73'
33. 05-03-1983 Div 1 Manchester City W 2-1 A 0 Frank Stapleton 51', 76' Kevin Reeves 32'
34. 12-03-1983 FAC Everton W 1-0 H 0 Frank Stapleton 90'+2'
35. 19-03-1983 Div 1 Brighton D 1-1 H 0 Arthur Albiston 56' Steve Gatting 7'
36. 22-03-1983 Div 1 West Ham United W 2-1 H 0 Frank Stapleton 47', Scott McGarvey 63' Alan Devonshire 72'
37. 26-03-1983 LC Liverpool L 1-2 N 0 Norman Whiteside 12' Alan Kennedy 75', Ronnie Whelan 98'
38. 02-04-1983 Div 1 Coventry City W 3-0 H 0 Frank Stapleton 27', Gary Gillespie 30' (o.g.), Lou Macari 58'
39. 04-04-1983 Div 1 Sunderland D 0-0 A 0
40. 09-04-1983 Div 1 Southampton D 1-1 H 0 Bryan Robson 44' Martin Foyle 70'
41. 07-05-1983 Div 1 Swansea City W 2-1 H 0 Bryan Robson 19', Frank Stapleton 72' Bob Latchford 89'
42. 09-05-1983 Div 1 Luton Town W 3-0 H 0 Paul McGrath 35', 37', Frank Stapleton 85'
43. 11-05-1983 Div 1 Tottenham Hotspur L 0-2 A 0 Graham Roberts 59', Steve Archibald 65'
44. 14-05-1983 Div 1 Notts County L 2-3 A 1 Paul McGrath 33', Arnold Muhren 79' Rachid Harkouk 13', 88', Ian McParland 90'
45. 21-05-1983 FAC Brighton D 2-2 N 0 Frank Stapleton 55', Ray Wilkins 72' Gordon Smith 14', Gary Stevens 87'
46. 26-05-1983 FAC Brighton W 4-0 N 1 Bryan Robson 25', 44', Norman Whiteside 29', Arnold Muhren 63' (pen)
47. 20-08-1983 CS Liverpool W 2-0 N 0 Bryan Robson 23', 60'
48. 27-08-1983 Div 1 QPR W 3-1 H 2 Arnold Muhren 10' (pen), 90', Frank Stapleton 17' Clive Allen 55'
49. 29-08-1983 Div 1 Nottingham Forest L 1-2 H 0 Kevin Moran 12' *Viv Anderson 65', *Peter Davenport 86'
50. 03-09-1983 Div 1 Stoke City W 1-0 A 1 Arnold Muhren 54'
51. 06-09-1983 Div 1 Arsenal W 3-2 A 0 Kevin Moran 8', Frank Stapleton 14', Bryan Robson 40' Tony Woodcock 3', Brian Talbot 88'
52. 10-09-1983 Div 1 Luton Town W 2-0 H 1 Arnold Muhren 49' (pen), Arthur Albiston 72'
53. 14-09-1983 CWC Dukla Prague D 1-1 H 0 Ray Wilkins 89' (pen) Tomas Kriz 60'
54. 17-09-1983 Div 1 Southampton L 0-3 A 0 Steve Williams 3', 17', David Armstrong 79'
55. 24-09-1983 Div 1 Liverpool W 1-0 H 0 Frank Stapleton 53'
56. 27-09-1983 CWC Dukla Prague D 2-2 A 0 Bryan Robson 33', Frank Stapleton 79' Frantisek Stambachr 11', Vaclav Danek 83'
57. 01-10-1983 Div 1 Norwich City D 3-3 A 0 Norman Whiteside 44', 56', Frank Stapleton 53' Dave Bennett 64', Mick Channon 78', Lou Donowa 89'
58. 03-10-1983 LC Port Vale W 1-0 A 0 Frank Stapleton 7'
59. 15-10-1983 Div 1 West Bromwich Albion W 3-0 H 0 Arthur Graham 28', Norman Whiteside 37', Arthur Albiston 52'
60. 19-10-1983 CWC Spartak Varna W 2-1 A 0 Bryan Robson 9' (pen), Arthur Graham 48' Rumen Dimov 14'
61. 29-10-1983 Div 1 Wolves W 3-0 H 0 Frank Stapleton 5', 42', Bryan Robson 30'
62. 19-11-1983 Div 1 Watford W 4-1 H 0 Frank Stapleton 9', 31', 83', Bryan Robson 73' Nigel Callaghan 88'
63. 27-11-1983 Div 1 West Ham United D 1-1 A 0 Ray Wilkins 56' Dave Swindlehurst 57'
64. 16-12-1983 Div 1 Tottenham Hotspur W 4-2 H 0 Arthur Graham 12', 74', Kevin Moran 59', 80' *Alan Brazil 58', Mark Falco 75'
65. 19-12-1983 LC Oxford United L 1-2 A 0 Arthur Graham 39' George Lawrence 41', Steve Biggins 104'
66. 26-12-1983 Div 1 Coventry City D 1-1 A 1 Arnold Muhren 20' (pen) *Terry Gibson 44' (pen)
67. 27-12-1983 Div 1 Notts County D 3-3 H 0 Garth Crooks 58', Gordon McQueen 63', Kevin Moran 76' Trevor Christie 62' (pen), Justin Fashanu 81', 83'
68. 31-12-1983 Div 1 Stoke City W 1-0 H 0 Arthur Graham 75'
69. 02-01-1984 Div 1 Liverpool D 1-1 A 0 Norman Whiteside 89' Craig Johnston 32'
70. 07-01-1984 FAC Bournemouth L 0-2 A 0 Milton Graham 60', Ian Thompson 62'
71. 13-01-1984 Div 1 QPR D 1-1 A 0 Bryan Robson 47' Terry Fenwick 42'
72. 21-01-1984 Div 1 Southampton W 3-2 H 1 Bryan Robson 17', Frank Stapleton 29', Arnold Muhren 60' Steve Moran 3', 35'
73. 04-02-1984 Div 1 Norwich City D 0-0 H 0
74. 12-02-1984 Div 1 Luton Town W 5-0 A 0 Bryan Robson 37', 79', Norman Whiteside 40', 85', Frank Stapleton 81'
75. 18-02-1984 Div 1 Wolves D 1-1 A 0 Norman Whiteside 80' Sammy Troughton 14'
76. 25-02-1984 Div 1 Sunderland W 2-1 H 0 Kevin Moran 41', 47' Lee Chapman 15'
77. 03-03-1984 Div 1 Aston Villa W 3-0 A 0 Remi Moses 17', Norman Whiteside 46', Bryan Robson 76'
78. 07-03-1984 CWC Barcelona L 0-2 A 0 Greame Hogg 35' (o.g.), Juan Carlos Rojo 90'
79. 10-03-1984 Div 1 Leicester City W 2-0 H 0 Remi Moses 52', Mark Hughes 60'
80. 17-03-1984 Div 1 Arsenal W 4-0 H 2 Arnold Muhren 10' (pen), 44', Frank Stapleton 63', Bryan Robson 89'
81. 21-03-1984 CWC Barcelona W 3-0 H 0 Bryan Robson 21', 50', Frank Stapleton 51'
82. 19-09-1984 EL Raba Vasas Eto W 3-0 H 1 Bryan Robson 17', Arnold Muhren 37', Mark Hughes 74'
83. 22-09-1984 Div 1 Liverpool D 1-1 H 0 Gordon Strachan 23' (pen) Paul Walsh 73'
84. 26-09-1984 LC Burnley W 4-0 H 0 Bryan Robson 1', Mark Hughes 17', 58', 75'
85. 03-10-1984 EL Raba Vasas Eto D 2-2 A 1 Alan Brazil 9', Arnold Muhren 75' (pen) Tamas Preszeller 51', Peter Hannich 59'
86. 06-10-1984 Div 1 Aston Villa L 0-3 A 0 Peter Withe 20', Allan Evans 25', Paul Rideout 56'
87. 24-11-1984 Div 1 Sunderland L 2-3 A 0 Bryan Robson 13', Mark Hughes 15' Clive Walker 16', 41' (pen), 44' (pen)
88. 08-12-1984 Div 1 Nottingham Forest L 2-3 A 0 Gordon Strachan 14', 26' (pen) Steve Hodge 63', Gary Mills 78', Johnny Metgod 90'
89. 12-12-1984 EL Dundee United W 3-2 A 1 Mark Hughes 11', Gary McGinnis 40' (o.g.), Arnold Muhren 77' Davie Dodds 25', Paul Hegarty 56'
90. 26-12-1984 Div 1 Stoke City L 1-2 A 0 Frank Stapleton 23' Ian Painter 70' (pen), Carl Saunders 72'
91. 29-12-1984 Div 1 Chelsea W 3-1 A 0 Mark Hughes 23', Remi Moses 26', Frank Stapleton 63' Gordon Davies 5'
92. 01-01-1985 Div 1 Sheffield Wednesday L 1-2 H 0 Mark Hughes 63' Imre Varadi 15', 84'
93. 05-01-1985 FAC Bournemouth W 3-0 H 0 Gordon Strachan 21', Gordon McQueen 39', Frank Stapleton 58'
94. 12-01-1985 Div 1 Coventry City L 0-1 H 0 *Terry Gibson 73'
95. 21-04-1985 Div 1 Luton Town L 1-2 A 0 Norman Whiteside 71' Mick Harford 68' (pen), 89'
96. 06-05-1985 Div 1 Nottingham Forest W 2-0 H 0 John Gidman 8', Frank Stapleton 70'
97. 11-05-1985 Div 1 QPR W 3-1 A 0 Alan Brazil 40', 90', Gordon Strachan 54' Gary Bannister 63'
98. 13-05-1985 Div 1 Watford L 1-5 A 0 Kevin Moran 90'+2 Nigel Callaghan 11, 14', Colin West 33', Luther Blissett 66, Kenny Jackett 82'
 

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