Man United vs Arsenal: 2025/26 EPL season match preview, prediction
Manchester United vs Arsenal in 2025/26 EPL season game week 1 match. Photo Credit- SkySports
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off with a blockbuster clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, 2025, as Manchester United face Arsenal in a fixture that promises to set the tone for both clubs’ campaigns. With both teams undergoing significant transformations under their respective managers, Ruben Amorim and Mikel Arteta, this encounter is set to be a tactical chess match between two English football giants. Here is a detailed preview covering team performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
Manchester United team performances
The Red Devils are desperate to rebound after a disastrous 2024/25 campaign, where they slumped to a 15th-place finish, their worst in over three decades. Under Ruben Amorim, who took charge mid-season last year, United are aiming to restore their status as title contenders. Their pre-season was encouraging, with an unbeaten run that included wins over West Ham and Bournemouth, draws against Leeds and Everton, and a penalty-shootout victory over Fiorentina. Captain Bruno Fernandes was a standout, voted the top performer in a fan poll, signaling his importance to United’s attacking output. The summer transfer window saw United bolster their squad with high-profile signings like Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, aiming to inject dynamism into a previously lackluster attack. However, their defensive frailties, conceding multiple goals in six of their last seven home Premier League games last season, remain a concern.
Manchester United tactics
Amorim has instilled a high-intensity, possession-based 3-4-3 system at United, emphasizing wing-back play and quick transitions. Expect Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu (or Diego Leon) to provide width, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes anchoring the midfield. The attacking trio of Cunha, Mbeumo, and new signing Sesko will look to exploit Arsenal’s high defensive line with pace and movement. However, United’s back three, likely featuring Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ayden Heaven, must stay compact to counter Arsenal’s dynamic attack. Amorim’s familiarity with Gyokeres from their time at Sporting could help United neutralize the striker’s threat. The key for United will be maintaining defensive discipline while capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities.
Man United team news and injuries
The Red Devils’ injury concerns have eased somewhat, but key absences remain. Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season, is doubtful, with Altay Bayindir likely to start. Lisandro Martinez (knee) is expected to miss the opener, forcing Heaven into the backline. Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui, who missed parts of pre-season, are back in contention, and new signing Benjamin Sesko could make his competitive debut.
Manchester United Possible Lineups (3-4-3): Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Heaven; Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Cunha, Sesko, Mbeumo.
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Arsenal’s team form
Arsenal, 3-times runners-up in the last three seasons, are determined to end their 22-year Premier League title drought. Finishing second with 74 points last term, the Gunners showcased an elite defense, conceding just 63 goals over the past two seasons—15 fewer than any other team. However, their attack struggled to create high-quality chances, with only 36 “great shots” (shots with 0.33+ xG) in 2024/25, down from 46 the previous year. Their pre-season was mixed, with wins over AC Milan, Newcastle, and Athletic Club, but losses to Tottenham and Villarreal exposed some inconsistencies. Arsenal’s summer business was aggressive, adding Martín Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga to an already talented squad. These signings aim to enhance their attacking threat and midfield solidity, with Gyokeres’ 39 goals in 33 matches last season at Sporting CP a particular highlight.
Arsenal tactics
Arteta’s Arsenal continue to deploy a fluid 4-3-3, blending high pressing with controlled possession. Martín Zubimendi’s arrival strengthens the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, allowing Arsenal to dominate the center of the park. Up top, Gyokeres will lead the line, supported by Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke (or Leandro Trossard, pending fitness). The defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remains one of the league’s best, with their physicality and ball-playing ability key to thwarting United’s forwards. Arsenal’s game plan will likely focus on exploiting United’s vulnerable defense through quick interchanges and wide overloads, though their ability to convert chances will be critical after last season’s struggles.
Arsenal’s team news and injuries
The Gunners boast a relatively healthy squad. Gabriel Jesus (knee) is ruled out, while Leandro Trossard (groin) is a doubt but could feature. Magalhaes is expected to return from a thigh injury to partner Saliba, and new signings Zubimendi and Gyokeres are set to start. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, but Noni Madueke and Ethan Nwaneri provide depth in attack. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Cristhian Mosquera are also in contention for starts.
Arsenal Possible Lineups (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.
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Man United vs Arsenal head-to-head statistics
Manchester United lead with 99 wins to Arsenal’s 87 (53 draws). Arsenal have dominated recent encounters in the Premier League, winning four of the last five league meetings, including a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in 2023/24. The most recent clash, in March 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice scoring. At Old Trafford, Arsenal are chasing back-to-back league wins at for the first time since 1979. United’s last competitive win over Arsenal was on September 4, 2022 (3-1). The last four Premier League meetings between these sides have produced under 2.5 goals, reflecting a shift from the historically high-scoring nature of this fixture.
Man United vs Arsenal scoreline prediction
This match will feature Manchester United’s transitional, attack-minded approach against Arsenal’s robust defense and revitalized offense. United’s home vulnerabilities, nine defeats at Old Trafford last season and injury-hit defense suggest Arsenal could capitalize. The Gunners’ recent dominance in this fixture, coupled with their strengthened squad, makes them favorites. However, United’s new signings, particularly Sesko, could pose a threat on the counter.
