Old Trafford hosts the first Premier League heavyweight clash of the 2025/26 season on Sunday, as Manchester United welcome Arsenal in what promises to be a high-intensity showdown.
The two clubs enter the campaign with renewed optimism after big summer signings and will look to set the tone for their title ambitions right from the start. With Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha ready to feature for United, and Arsenal unveiling Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, this meeting offers both a test of squad evolution and a glimpse of the battles to come.
Match Details
- Fixture: Manchester United vs Arsenal
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kick-off time: 4:30pm BST
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Broadcast: Live on Sky Sports
Match Preview
Manchester United: A New Era Under Amorim
United’s pre-season under Ruben Amorim has shown glimpses of a more aggressive, pressing-oriented style of play, but questions remain about how quickly their squad can adapt. Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the line, offering height and mobility that United have missed.
Bryan Mbeumo adds pace and unpredictability in wide areas, while Matheus Cunha strengthens their creative core. Amorim’s biggest challenge will be integrating these arrivals while ensuring the defensive unit – led by Lisandro Martínez and Diogo Dalot – can handle Arsenal’s high-pressing threats.
Consistency at home is key for United this season, with Old Trafford needing to return to fortress status after a mixed 2024/25 campaign that saw too many dropped points.
Arsenal: Gyökeres to Lead the Line?
Mikel Arteta faces a tactical dilemma up front. New signing Viktor Gyökeres, who scored freely in Portugal under Amorim, could be thrust straight into action against his former coach. Alternatively, Arteta may persist with Kai Havertz as a false nine or even field both together, a partnership trialed successfully in pre-season.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli provide Arsenal’s width, while captain Martin Ødegaard orchestrates from midfield alongside Declan Rice and newcomer Martin Zubimendi, whose arrival promises to add control and composure.
At the back, David Raya continues in goal with William Saliba and Gabriel forming the spine of Arsenal’s defence. Full-back competition remains intense, with Ben White likely to edge out Jurrien Timber for the right-back role, while summer signing Riccardo Calafiori could start on the left.
Team News
Manchester United
- Benjamin Sesko in line for debut.
- Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha also available.
- No major fresh injury concerns reported.
Arsenal
- Gabriel Jesus sidelined (knee injury).
- Viktor Gyökeres pushing for a debut start.
- Noni Madueke not yet fully settled.
- Leandro Trossard recovering from groin injury, nearing exit.
- Bukayo Saka and Martinelli expected to start.
- Jurrien Timber still regaining full sharpness after injury.
Probable Starting Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Onana; Dalot, Martínez, Varane, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Sesko
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Key Tactical Battle
The duel between United’s high press and Arsenal’s composed midfield trio could define the game. If Zubimendi and Rice can evade Amorim’s pressing schemes, Arsenal will find joy feeding Saka and Martinelli. Conversely, United will look to exploit the spaces left behind Arsenal’s full-backs, with Mbeumo and Rashford pivotal in transition.
Prediction
United are a work in progress under Amorim, while Arsenal look more settled despite bedding in new names. Expect a competitive, high-tempo contest where both sides trade chances.
We say: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal