The 2025-26 Premier League season will begin on Friday with Liverpool welcoming Bournemouth to Anfield.
But the standout fixture of the opening weekend will see Manchester United and Arsenal battle it out at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Match Preview
Man Utd endured a disastrous 2024-25 campaign as they finished 15th in the Premier League and also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
But manager Ruben Amorim managed to keep his job in Manchester, and now readies himself for a first full season at the Old Trafford helm.
The club’s hierarchy have also backed him well in the transfer market, making funds available for the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
The Red Devils have had an impressive pre-season, going unbeaten in each of their five friendlies and winning the Premier League Summer Series title.
Meanwhile, Arsenal once again came up short in the Premier League title race as they finished behind eventual champions Liverpool in the table.
Mike Arteta’s men will attempt to lift the league trophy again in 2025-26, and their summer signings should give them a big boost.
The Gunners have acquired the services of Martin Zubimendi, while Victor Gyokeres has joined the club from Sporting Lisbon.
Team News
United will not be able to avail the services of Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez as they are both recovering from injury issues. Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a move to Fulham but the Dane should be involved on Sunday.
As for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus will be missing due to fitness issues, while Leandro Trossard’s groin concern means his availability is doubtful.
Manchester United vs Arsenal potential line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Manchester United vs Arsenal prediction
United have added three top attackers in Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko, but the trio will surely take some time to gel.
The Manchester titans will have home advantage, but the quality of players in Arsenal’s ranks suggest a draw is likely on Sunday.
Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
