The new Premier League season kicks off with a blockbuster clash between two of England’s most storied clubs. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are desperate to bounce back from disappointing 2024-25 campaigns.
Arsenal finished second in the league but suffered heartbreak in cup competitions, losing semi-finals in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Their trophy drought continues to frustrate fans and pile pressure on Mikel Arteta.
United, meanwhile, endured a nightmare season, slumping to 15th place and missing European qualification entirely. The Europa League final defeat capped off a miserable campaign that has left Ruben Amorim under intense scrutiny.
Match Overview
Competition: Premier League 2025-26 (Gameweek 1)
Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
Kick-off: 4:30 PM BST (11:30 AM ET)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
| Manchester United | D, D, W, W, D |
| Arsenal | W, L, L, W, W |
Key Stats & Analysis
Last 5 Premier League Head to Head
| Date | Venue | Score | Result |
| March 9, 2025 | Old Trafford | Manchester United 1–1 Arsenal | Draw |
| December 4, 2024 | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 2–0 Manchester United | Arsenal Win |
| May 12, 2024 | Old Trafford | Manchester United 0–1 Arsenal | Arsenal Win |
| September 3, 2023 | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 3–1 Manchester United | Arsenal Win |
| January 22, 2023 | Emirates Stadium | Arsenal 3–2 Manchester United | Arsenal Win |
Arsenal have completely dominated this fixture recently, winning four of the last five meetings with United failing to secure a single victory. The Gunners’ only dropped points came in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford earlier this year.
Team Strengths & Weaknesses
| Team | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Manchester United | – Major investment in attacking talent – New signings: Šeško, Mbeumo, Cunha – Fresh options up front – Home advantage | – Defensive instability – Missing key defenders (Martínez, Mazraoui) – Lack of consistency – Poor recent record vs Arsenal |
| Arsenal | – Smart summer recruitment – Viktor Gyökeres and Zubimendi additions – Superior squad depth – Solid defensive foundation – Dominant recent h2h record | – Only managed draw at Old Trafford recently – Gabriel Jesus injured – Trophy drought pressure – Trossard fitness doubt |
Squad Value
| Club | Squad Market Value |
| Arsenal | €1.32 billion (~£861 million) |
| Manchester United | €643 million (~£587 million) |
Players to Watch
- Viktor Gyökeres will be the main attraction, facing his former manager Amorim and the club that pursued him all summer. The Swedish striker will lead Arsenal’s attack and could prove the difference.
- Benjamin Šeško is set for his competitive United debut and will be eager to justify the club’s hefty investment in their new forward line.
- Martín Zubimendi will make his Arsenal bow in midfield, adding creativity and control to their engine room.
Tactical Insight
United are expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation with their new attacking trio getting their first taste of Premier League action. Amorim will hope the fresh faces can provide the spark his team desperately needs.
Arsenal will likely stick with their tried-and-tested 4-3-3 system, with Zubimendi adding creativity in midfield alongside the established partnership of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
The tactical battle will center around United’s new-look attack testing Arsenal’s proven defensive structure, while the Gunners will look to exploit United’s defensive vulnerabilities through their pace and movement.
Score Prediction
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal’s recent dominance in this fixture cannot be ignored. They have won four of the last five meetings and will arrive at Old Trafford full of confidence despite their mixed pre-season form.
While United’s new signings should make them more entertaining to watch, Arsenal’s superior squad depth and organization give them the edge. The addition of Gyökeres, facing his former suitors, adds an extra layer of motivation for the visitors.
United’s home advantage and fresh attacking options might help them find the net, but their defensive concerns and Arsenal’s excellent recent record in this fixture point towards another away victory. The Gunners should continue their Old Trafford success story with a narrow but crucial opening day win.