- The Man United vs Arsenal Premier League opener will be played on Sunday, August 17.
- The match will kick off at 6:30 PM EAT at Old Trafford.
- With Liverpool having curtain-raised the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, both Man United vs Arsenal will be eager to make a statement in their own opener.
A mouthwatering fixture awaits this Sunday as as Manchester United and Arsenal lock horns at Old Trafford in the opening gameweek of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
With reigning champions Liverpool having curtain-raised the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, both Manchester United and Arsenal will be eager to make a statement in their own opener, each chasing glory in one of the most highly anticipated clashes in world football.
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This will be Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge of the Red Devils.
Following a disappointing inaugural campaign where United finished 15th, many are keenly watching to see how the Portuguese manager will elevate the team back to its former glory.
Their 15th-place finish marked their lowest since the 1989/90 season while the 42 points accumulated were their poorest tally since 1974.
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They failed to win consecutive top-flight matches, lost more league games than they won at Old Trafford, and were ultimately defeated in the Europa League final by Tottenham.
The rebuilding process has seen a £200 million investment, bringing in Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo, and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig to reinvigorate an attack that managed just 44 goals in 38 league games last season.
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Additionally, promising young left-back Diego Leon has arrived from Paraguay.
As a result of strengthening their squad, United have enjoyed a strong preseason.
They remain unbeaten in five matches, with wins over Bournemouth and West Ham United and draws against Leeds, Everton, and Fiorentina, building momentum ahead of a crucial campaign for Ruben Amorim.
On the other hand, Arsenal will be aiming to dig even deeper.
Manager Mikel Arteta has stated the club’s intention to at least challenge for silverware after finishing as runners-up for three consecutive seasons.
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Marking their 100th consecutive top-flight season, the Gunners are eager to end a two-decade wait for the title.
A win against United on Sunday could set the tone for a promising season.
New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres is expected to make his Premier League debut. He impressed in Arteta’s final preseason match, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
With both teams boasting strengthened squads, Arsenal’s primary goal this season is to clinch the league title, while United are determined to bury last season’s disappointment and rekindle hope among their supporters.
What time does Man United Vs Arsenal start?
The match between Man United vs Arsenal will kick off at 6:30 PM EAT on Sunday, August 17 at Old Trafford.
Man United Vs Arsenal team news
Arsenal’s new signing Gyokeres is available for selection and could face his former manager Amorim.
The Swedish forward may be joined by Martin Zubimendi and could make their Gunners debuts alongside Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Leandro Trossard, who limped off against Tottenham in Hong Kong, missed home friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Club but hopes to rejoin training ahead of the match.
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Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, and William Saliba have all returned to action during preseason, leaving Gabriel Jesus as the only long-term absentee while he recovers from an ACL injury.
For Manchester United, Sesko is physically and mentally prepared to make his Premier League debut, potentially as part of a new front three with Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha, though this would push Bruno Fernandes into a deeper midfield role.
Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana have both recovered from injuries and are expected to feature despite transfer rumors, as is Fulham target Rasmus Hojlund.
However, Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) remain sidelined.
Red Devils vs Gunners probable starting XI
Manchester United: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbuemo, Mount; Cunha
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Pelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Man United vs Arsenal preseason form
Manchester United played five preseason matches, securing two wins and three draws, maintaining an unbeaten run.
Arsenal enjoyed a solid preseason as well, playing six games with four victories and two defeats.
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Man United vs Arsenal head to head
In the last five meetings since 2023, Arsenal hold a slight advantage with three wins and two draws.
The most recent encounter was a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in March 2025, where Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning free kick before Declan Rice salvaged a point for Arsenal.
Overall, Manchester United lead the all-time rivalry with 102 wins to Arsenal’s 90, with 51 matches ending in draws.
Man United vs Arsenal prediction
Although Arsenal have enjoyed recent success against United, they must remember the challenge of facing a revitalized Red Devils side hungry to prove themselves.
This promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams vying not only for vital points but also for bragging rights.
Expect a tightly fought match, where clinical finishing could make all the difference and ultimately produce a decisive winner.