One of the Premier League’s greatest rivalries provides the headline act of the first weekend of the new season, as Manchester United welcomes Arsenal to Old Trafford.
Both clubs traded blows last season, each claiming a win alongside a draw. At Old Trafford, United remain a decent side, losing just two of their last 18 league meetings with Arsenal (W10, D6). Yet, the Gunners have a knack for finding the net here; they’ve scored in each of their last 11 league visits to this ground.
United come into the 2024/25 campaign looking to put last season’s nightmare behind them. A 15th-placed finish was their lowest ever in the Premier League era, and defeat in the Europa League final made it one to forget. Head coach Ruben Amorim, who arrived in November, still has the backing of the board, and that’s been reflected in a near-£200m revamp of the attack.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško have all been brought in, and a quick start could be crucial to Amorim’s future. But Opta stats show that no team faces a tougher opening five games than United.
Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui both miss out. André Onana was surprisingly left out of the game due to limited pre-season action. Captain Bruno Fernandes, who scored twice against Arsenal last term, leads from midfield.
Manchester United Confirmed XI as seen on the club’s official X handle:
Bayindir, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Dalot, Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha.
Mikel Arteta’s side start their 100th top-flight season aiming to finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title. After finishing second for three straight seasons, the Gunners have brought in top striker Viktor Gyökeres to provide the cutting edge they’ve been missing.
Leandro Trossard is the only first team player unavailable for selection, giving Arteta a strong side to pick from. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 away league games and will be confident of making a statement at Old Trafford
Arsenal Confirmed XI ;
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli; Gyokeres
