EPL Preview: Manchester United vs Arsenal – Team News, Lineups, Prediction

The standout fixture of Premier League Matchday 1 sees Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, 2025. This will be the 243rd meeting between the two sides, with United holding 99 wins to Arsenal’s 89.

Arsenal have had the edge in recent encounters, winning three of the last five league meetings, including a 2-0 victory in December 2024. Their most recent clash ended 1-1 on March 9, 2025.

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Both clubs enter the new season with renewed optimism after big summer transfer moves, but also with questions about how quickly their revamped squads can settle.

Manchester United – New Faces, Fresh Start

After a miserable 2024-25 campaign, United fans are hoping Ruben Amorim’s first full season sparks a turnaround. Preseason form has been promising, with the Red Devils unbeaten in five matches and showing signs of tactical improvement, particularly in attack.

Goals were a major issue last season, only 44 in the league so the club moved decisively to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško. Between them, the trio scored 48 league goals last year.

André Onana is expected to shake off a hamstring issue to start in goal, with Lisandro Martínez the only long-term absentee. All three attacking signings should feature, with Bruno Fernandes likely dropping deeper in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Predicted Manchester United XI (3-4-3): Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Šeško.

Arsenal – All in for the Title

After back-to-back seasons falling short of the Premier League crown, Mikel Arteta has been backed heavily in the transfer market. Arsenal’s most eye-catching signing is Viktor Gyökeres, who scored a stunning 68 goals in 66 league games for Sporting CP over two seasons.

Defensively, Cristhian Mosquera joins from Valencia, while the midfield gets a double boost with Christian Nørgaard and Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners’ preseason was mixed (three wins, two defeats), but they closed it out with a convincing 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined, but otherwise Arsenal have a full-strength squad to start their title charge.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
• Kick-off: 16:30 (BST)
• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Last meeting: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal (March 9, 2025 – Premier League)

Prediction

With new signings on both sides, this could be a tense but entertaining opener. Arsenal are slight favourites on paper, but Old Trafford’s atmosphere and United’s fresh attacking options might tip the balance toward a share of the spoils.

Score prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal