United Preview | Arsenal at home

Can we start the season with a win?

Manchester United v Arsenal 

Author | Olivia T 

Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, 17 August 2025, aiming to exorcise the ghosts of a torrid 2024–25 season.

After a positive summer in the transfer market, it certainly has the feel of a new era. A win against Arsenal would replicate the success of the opening day of the 1989/1990 season, when we came out on top, with a 4-1 victory.

Team News

The main uncertainty for United is in goal, where Andre Onana has been passed fit after missing much of pre-season with injury, though Altay Bayindir is on standby if the Cameroonian is not ready to start. In central defence there is no shortage of options, with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt expected to form the core of the back three. The final slot on the left side looks to be between Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and youngster Ayden Heaven, with Maguire likely to get the nod to counter the physical presence of Viktor Gyökeres.

Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu are set to operate as wing-backs, while Bruno Fernandes is expected to take on a deeper role in midfield. Manuel Ugarte could be preferred alongside him ahead of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, with his energy and defensive work giving him the edge.

Further forward, a new-look attack is taking shape, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha supporting fellow summer signing Benjamin Šeško at centre-forward.

Pre Season form

Man United v West Ham in Pre Season

United’s pre-season took them to Sweden, the United States and back to Manchester, where Fiorentina were the final visitors before the campaign gets underway.

The Reds remained unbeaten, collecting wins over West Ham United and Bournemouth, draws with Leeds United and Everton, and a penalty shootout victory against Fiorentina in the Snapdragon Cup.

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Bruno Fernandes, voted the standout performer during the American leg by supporters, will look to maintain that form into the new season as part of a revitalised attack.

Brief look at the opposition

New signings Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres, both of whom worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, are available and may feature for Arsenal. They could be joined by fellow recruits Noni Madueke, Christian Nørgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga in making their first appearances for the club.