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Man Utd vs Arsenal: Previewing our Premier League opener at Old Trafford

By on August 7, 2025

Mikel Arteta arsenal

As an Arsenal supporter, the 2025/26 Premier League campaign couldn’t start with a more charged fixture. The Gunners will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17th, to take on a wounded Manchester United side led by new boss Ruben Amorim. For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans, this is more than just an opening-day clash — it’s a chance to set the tone for a title charge, and perhaps deal an early blow to one of the Premier League’s traditional giants.

United, fresh off a miserable 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish 15th — their worst in Premier League history — are looking to reboot under Amorim. They managed just 42 points last season and endured nine home defeats, scoring fewer goals at Old Trafford than all but the relegated trio of Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton. That’s a record Arsenal will be eager to exploit.

Meanwhile, Arsenal ended the previous season as runners-up yet again — the third straight time. But this one hurt more for fans who hold Arsenal tickets. A lack of cutting edge saw us draw 14 games, costing us crucial points. We scored under 70 goals for the first time under Arteta in a full season. Injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities allowed Liverpool to run away with the title.

But as we look ahead, there’s reason to be hopeful. Arsenal were strong on the road last season, taking 35 points away from home and losing just a handful of games. However, the away draws — including at Old Trafford — must turn into wins if we are to finally lift the Premier League trophy again.

Historically, United have been strong on the opening weekend. They’ve won 22 of their Premier League openers and have the best points-per-game average on Matchweek 1 among clubs with multiple appearances. That said, two of their seven opening-day losses have come in the last five years. Arsenal, too, have reason to feel confident. We’ve won our last three season openers and are unbeaten in 13 straight opening-day matches.

New arrivals

Arteta’s squad depth and tactical nous will be key. The summer additions, including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, and Christian Norgaard, provide more balance and steel in the middle of the park and more firepower up front. Kepa Arrizabalaga has been brought in for cover in goal, though David Raya remains the undisputed number one. Despite injury setbacks to Leandro Trossard, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal are still fielding a side packed with quality.

Gyokeres, in particular, will be one to watch. Signed to finally solve the centre-forward conundrum, he brings pace, power, and an eye for goal. Alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, our front three looks more dangerous than ever.

United have brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Bournemouth to reinvigorate their attack. Amorim is banking on these two to build chemistry quickly, especially with the club missing out on European competition this season for the first time since 2014/15.

In midfield, Bruno Fernandes remains their creative hub, and young talents like Kobbie Mainoo are looking to stake their claim. But question marks remain over their defence, especially with Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noussair Mazraoui all out injured.

Between the sticks, uncertainty continues. Altay Bayindir featured heavily in pre-season, but if Andre Onana stays, he’ll likely regain the No. 1 shirt. Amorim has tried to shape the squad in his image, but a single pre-season isn’t enough to cure United’s deep-rooted issues.

From an Arsenal fan’s viewpoint, this is a massive opportunity. We’re heading to Old Trafford at a time when United are vulnerable. Yes, it’s a big ground with a lot of history, but this team — Arteta’s team — is maturing, and the time to show our title credentials is now.

We need to be ruthless. Last season’s away draw here felt like a missed chance, especially considering how limp United were. This time, with new signings ready and the squad hungry for redemption, Arsenal must aim for all three points.

A fourth consecutive Matchweek 1 victory would be a strong statement. Our record in season openers is already solid — 19 wins from 33 appearances — but getting a win at Old Trafford would feel like more than just three points. It would send a message to Liverpool, Man City, and any other contenders that Arsenal are serious this time.

How to watch

Arsenal’s trip to Manchester United will be broadcast live on Sky Sports at 4.30pm on August 17th.

Obviously, such a high profile game will be a sell-out at Old Trafford. However, fans can still browse available ticket options on resale platforms like Seatsnet.com if they want to watch all the action live in person.

Team news

Arsenal continue to be without the services of Gabriel Jesus as the Brazilian is still working his way back from an ACL injury that ended his campaign prematurely last season. Jesus is back in light individual training but won’t be available for a number of weeks.

Riccardo Calafiori may also miss the trip to Old Trafford as he’s been struggling with a knock recently and missed the friendly defeat to Villarreal. Leandro Trossard also picked up a knock against Tottenham and sat out the loss to Villarreal while Kai Havertz was another absentee. However, the attacking duo should be back to face Man Utd.

Gabriel Magalhaes made his eagerly anticipated return from a hamstring injury during the 3-2 defeat on Wednesday evening. If the centre-back can build-up his fitness ahead of the game on August 17th, he could be in contention to start.

Jurrien Timber also made his return from an ankle injury in midweek and he should be fit and available for the trip to Old Trafford.

As for Man Utd, they’ll be without Lisandro Martinez as he’s still recovering from a knee injury. Andre Onana is nursing a thigh injury so it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to start while Joshua Zirkzee is struggling with a minor knock. Noussair Mazraoui is set to miss out due to a thigh problem.

Possible line-up

The predicted lineup looks promising: Raya in goal, with Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly likely to form the back four. Zubimendi and Declan Rice can anchor the midfield, giving Martin Odegaard the freedom to create.

Saka and Martinelli will start on the flanks but it will be interesting to see who starts up front. If Havertz recovers from his knock then he’s favourite to get the nod as Gyokeres is still getting up to speed following his move this summer.

Possible Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz

United will likely field Bayindir, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Mainoo, Patrick Dorgu, Fernandes, Mbeumo, and Cunha. It’s not a bad side on paper, but they’re untested together and lack the cohesion Arsenal have developed over the past two seasons.

Prediction

It won’t be easy, but hopefully we see a different, more clinical Arsenal this season. We’re predicting a thrilling 2-1 away win to kick things off the right way. Come on you Gunners!