Last updated on August 17, 2025
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Manchester United, under Rúben Amorim, are still integrating their new players and may find it challenging against a well-coordinated Arsenal side.
Image credit: MUSC Hyderabad
The new Premier League season kicks off with an exciting match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal come into this game looking strong after finishing near the top last season, while Manchester United want to bounce back after a disappointing year.
Table of Contents
Both teams have made changes to their squads, and this opening game will show how ready they are for the challenges ahead.
Team Context
Arsenal
Arsenal finished last season strong, securing second place in the Premier League with 74 points.
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They impressed with a solid away record and a positive goal difference, showing they can compete at the top.
This season, they’ll also be in the Champions League, marking an exciting 40th European campaign.
To strengthen the squad, Arsenal added Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke, aiming to bring more options in attack and midfield.
On the downside, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard are sidelined with injuries, which could affect their attacking firepower.
Manchester United
Manchester United had a tough 2024/25 season, finishing 15th in the Premier League—their lowest in decades—and narrowly missing out in the Europa League final.
This summer, under new manager Rúben Amorim, they’ve bolstered their squad with Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, hoping to reignite their attack and climb back up the table.
An interesting subplot comes from Chido Obi-Martin, a former Arsenal youth player now at United, adding a personal edge to this matchup.
Tactical Preview
Arsenal
Arsenal under Mikel Arteta continue to favor a possession-driven 4-3-3 setup, but this season promises a sharper edge.
New signing Martin Zubimendi brings mobility and the ability to pick out quick, precise passes—just what Arsenal needed to break through stubborn low blocks that frustrated them last year.
Viktor Gyökeres adds a new dimension up front.
His physical strength, athleticism, and eagerness to make direct runs should help stretch defenses and open up space for teammates.
All told, this new look Arsenal may be a lot less predictable—while they still value building from the back and keeping control, there’s now a promise of real chaos and incisiveness in forward areas.
Manchester United
Under Rúben Amorim, Manchester United are adopting a 3-4-3 (diamond) system infused with intense pressing and interchanging movements.
The idea is to win the ball high up the pitch and create openings by drawing defenders out of position.
The front trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško is still finding its rhythm.
Cunha has shown flashes of creativity, while Mbeumo’s energy on the right has caught the eye.
Sesko arrives with expectations of physical presence and consistency, though he’s yet to fully settle in.
United’s pre-season had mixed results—control and possession were there, but chance creation was limited, and goals were scarce even in seemingly dominant phases.
There are also hints of further midfield reinforcement, with the club eyeing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba to inject energy and ball-winning quality into midfield.
Matchups to Watch
- Gyökeres vs. United’s Back Three
Arsenal’s new striker’s direct runs and physicality could test United’s defense—especially if that back line struggles to shift quickly or deal with penetrating movement.
- Zubimendi vs. United’s Mid-Block
Zubimendi’s ability to unlock packed midfield zones with crisp, vertical passes may help Arsenal break through United’s pressing shape.
- United’s Press vs. Arsenal’s Build-Up
Amorim’s pressing system may force Arsenal out of their rhythm. How well Zubimendi and other midfielders shield the ball under pressure could decide who controls the flow.
- Pace vs. Structure
Mbeumo’s sharp wing play versus Arsenal’s compact, controlled shape. If Mbeumo finds gaps, he could spark quick transitions.
Key Factors Influencing the Outcome
- Squad Depth & Fitness
Arsenal’s injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard reduce their attacking flexibility.
If Gyökeres, Madueke, and others can stay fit and deliver, they’ll be critical.
United, meanwhile, need their new forwards to gel quickly.
- Tactical Cohesion
Arsenal have had more time to refine their system—consistency in midfield and forward movement could pay off.
United’s system requires sharper timing among new players, which may take a few games to develop.
- Form & Confidence
Arsenal come into this opener with positive momentum from last season’s strong finish.
United look eager but cautious—there’s optimism, but it’s tempered by uncertainty.
Key Players to Watch
Arsenal
- Martin Ødegaard:
The Norwegian captain remains Arsenal’s creative heartbeat.
Man Utd v Arsenal in Matchweek 1 🍿
— Paa Manuel (@PaamanuelUtd_) August 13, 2025
The last time Manchester United played Arsenal in August, the result was 8-2……manifesting
pic.twitter.com/l4BJBWVwkQ
With a new tactical approach that emphasizes central playmaking, Ødegaard’s vision and passing range will be crucial in unlocking opposition defenses.
- Viktor Gyökeres
Arsenal’s £63.5 million signing has undergone a significant physical transformation, earning praise from Thierry Henry as the “perfect fit” for the club.
Gyökeres’ blend of strength and agility adds a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
- Declan Rice
The England international continues to be a cornerstone in midfield, providing stability and breaking up opposition attacks.
His leadership and composure under pressure are vital for Arsenal’s success.
Manchester United
- Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian forward joined Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million.
Cunha is known for his versatility, capable of playing as a forward, attacking midfielder, or winger.
His dynamic playing style and ability to score goals make him a significant threat to Arsenal’s defense.
- Benjamin Šeško
After multiple attempts, Manchester United have secured the Slovenian striker.
Known for his physicality and technical skills, Šeško is expected to lead United’s frontline and is anticipated to make his debut against Arsenal.
- Bryan Mbeumo
The versatile forward brings pace and creativity to United’s attack.
His ability to operate across the front line makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
- Chido Obi-Martin
Chido Obi-MartinA former Arsenal youth product, Obi-Martin’s journey to Manchester United adds an emotional layer to this fixture.
Having made a significant impact in United’s youth ranks, he is poised to make his mark in the senior team.
Arsenal’s Recent Dominance at the Emirates
Arsenal have been formidable at home in recent encounters with Manchester United.
In their last meeting at the Emirates on December 4, 2024, Arsenal secured a 2–0 victory, marking their fourth consecutive league win against United at home—their first such streak in club history.
Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba sealed the win, showcasing Arsenal’s growing strength in this fixture.
Chido Obi-Martin’s Emotional Return
The upcoming match carries added emotional weight with the return of Chido Obi-Martin to the Emirates.
A former Arsenal youth prodigy, Obi-Martin made headlines with his remarkable performances, including a ten-goal game against Liverpool’s U16s.
In October 2024, he made the bold decision to leave Arsenal for Manchester United, seeking a clearer path to first-team football.
Obi-Martin’s swift integration into United’s U18s, highlighted by a hat-trick in his debut match, has added intrigue to his return to North London.
His presence on the pitch will undoubtedly evoke strong emotions from Arsenal fans, who watched his rise through the youth ranks.
Potential Line-ups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
- Defenders: Ben White (RB), Jurrien Timber (CB), William Saliba (CB), Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB)
- Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (CM), Declan Rice (CDM), Martin Zubimendi (CM)
- Forwards: Noni Madueke (RW), Viktor Gyökeres (CF), Kai Havertz (LW)
Manchester United (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot (RB), Harry Maguire (CB), Raphael Varane (CB), Patrick Dorgu (LB)
- Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (CM), Casemiro (CDM), Christian Nørgaard (CM)
- Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo (RW), Benjamin Šeško (CF), Matheus Cunha (LW)
Prediction
Given Arsenal’s recent form and Manchester United’s rebuilding phase, Arsenal are favored to win this encounter.
With a solid lineup featuring new signings like Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal’s attacking prowess and midfield stability could prove decisive.
Manchester United, under Rúben Amorim, are still integrating their new players and may find it challenging against a well-coordinated Arsenal side.
