Manchester United Clash with Arsenal: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Bitter adversaries Manchester United and Arsenal clash in their season opener for the 2025–26 Premier League campaign this Sunday afternoon.
Both clubs experienced disappointing 2024–25 seasons—though on completely different levels—and will be looking to bounce back this time around. For Arsenal, it meant another runner-up Premier League finish and semi-final disappointment in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup as their silverware wait persisted. For United, it was absolute misery as they dropped to 15th place and suffered defeat in the Europa League final.
There will be considerable pressure on both clubs at the start of the new campaign, but the pressure weighs heavier on the Red Devils and Ruben Amorim. Following last season's catastrophe that saw them miss European qualification completely, United must make dramatic improvements quickly to prevent sliding deeper into turmoil.
A strong performance and/or result against Arsenal would provide encouragement to the Old Trafford supporters, but United face a challenging task. The Gunners have made smart signings this summer, particularly with the acquisitions of Martín Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres, and already possessed a much stronger squad than their traditional rivals.
Arsenal don't boast an exceptional record at Old Trafford, but Mikel Arteta, who faces his own pressure this season, will anticipate victory this Sunday. United have strengthened their attacking options with some expensive additions but still lack the structure and reliability of the Gunners.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the weekend's marquee fixture.
What Time Does Man Utd vs. Arsenal Kick Off?
Man Utd vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man Utd | Arsenal |
|---|---|
Man Utd 1–1 Fiorentina - 09/08/25 | Arsenal 3–0 Athletic Club - 09/08/25 |
Man Utd 2–2 Everton - 03/08/25 | Arsenal 2–3 Villarreal - 06/08/25 |
Man Utd 4–1 Bournemouth - 31/07/25 | Arsenal 0–1 Tottenham - 31/07/25 |
Man Utd 2–1 West Ham - 27/07/25 | Arsenal 3–2 Newcastle - 27/07/25 |
Man Utd 0–0 Leeds - 19/07/25 | Milan 0–1 Arsenal - 23/07/25 |
How to Watch Man Utd vs. Arsenal on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | fuboTV, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Telemundo, NBC |
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra, NOW TV |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Mexico | Max Mexico |
Man Utd Team News
Amorim understands he will be missing Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui in defense, but the Portuguese manager has confirmed that André Onana is ready after recovering from a pre-season injury.
Joshua Zirkzee was another fitness concern having missed pre-season with a minor problem, but Amorim has given the Dutch striker the all-clear to play against Arsenal.
First competitive appearances should be given to United's thrilling new attacking trio of Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, with all three expected to start Sunday's encounter against a resolute Arsenal defense.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal have just one significant injury concern entering the new season, and that's Gabriel Jesus, who's sidelined with a knee injury. He sustained the problem against United during their FA Cup encounter in January and has been out ever since.
Leandro Trossard is a slight doubt for the journey to Manchester after missing recent friendlies with a groin issue, but Arteta anticipates him being included in Arsenal's squad this weekend.
Gyökeres should spearhead the attack against former boss Amorim and summer admirers United, with the Swedish striker looking to follow up on the goal he netted against Athletic Club in their last outing. Zubimendi provided that assist and will feature in midfield, while Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Nørgaard could all make competitive debuts from the substitutes' bench.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Man Utd vs. Arsenal Score Prediction
It's always difficult predicting which version of United will show up for any particular match, but Amorim will be hoping his team begins to find their form soon. New arrivals should make them more entertaining to watch, though questions remain about their defensive stability and midfield strength.
Despite their advantage, Arsenal have found it tough at Old Trafford recently and could only secure a draw at the ground last season. Regardless of United's difficulties, they consistently challenge the Gunners.
Nevertheless, Arsenal's new additions should give them confidence heading to Manchester as they pursue a vital opening day victory, and the Gunners will be favored for maximum points given they finished 13 positions above United last campaign.
Prediction: Man Utd 1–2 Arsenal