Manchester United vs Arsenal: The Preview

The main event of the Premier League weekend has arrived, with Manchester United opening their campaign at home to Arsenal. Both sides are looking to return to their glory days. A dominant force of the past, United will be hoping this season fares better than the last disastrous domestic season, while Arsenal are sick of coming up in each of the last three seasons

Ruben Amorim is readying himself for his first full season in charge at United. With captain Bruno Fernandes rejecting a huge offer from Saudi side Al Hilal in the summer, and now with a new front three in place, the Reds are looking to hit the ground running. The pre-season saw us go unbeaten in the five games, claiming the Premier League Summer Series title and Snapdragon Cup.

There were draws with Leeds and Everton, whilst we had victories over West Ham, Bournemouth and Fiorentina. We head into another campaign, having won more Premier League match day 1 games than any other side (22). A win over the Gunners would be significant in more ways than one as it would see United become the first side to beat Arsenal 100 times across all competitions.

Manchester United Team News

For United, Joshua Zirkee and Andre Onana have overcome their injuries to make the squad for the opening fixture of the season. However, the Reds will be without the defensive duo of Noussair Mazaroui and Lisandro Martínez through knee and thigh injuries, respectively. 

Ruben Amorim told the media in his pre-match conference on Friday that the forward Benjamin Šeško is ready to go and could make his Premier League debut alongside the new front line with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. This lineup would see captain Bruno Fernandes moved into a deeper role.

Manchester United Possible Lineup

Onana; 

Yoro, Maguire, Heaven; 

Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; 

Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha.

Opposition Preview

In the final pre-season game, Arsenal brushed aside Athletic Bilbao by 3 goals to nothing as they retained their Emirates Cup in a perfect display to round off their preparations for the start of the season. There was a first goal for the new striker, Viktor Gyokere, with Martin Zubmendi providing the assist. A tap-in for Bukayo Saka and a smart finish from Kai Havertz, rounding off the proceedings. It was a much-needed boost after losing their previous two friendlies against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal, respectively.

With virtually a full-strength squad to choose from, the Gunners remained undisturbed by Bilbao throughout the game. A penalty shootout triumph at the end of full-time added more gloss to the win in the 90 minutes as they seek another Premier League title charge for the forthcoming season.

Mocked in the past for perennial fourth-place finishes, it now seems Arsenal cannot shake off the tag of second-place finishes in the last three seasons. The spending throughout the transfer window by the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea could potentially see a four-way tussle at the top of the table.

The answer to that question will be known in the spring, but for Arsenal now, it is about winning on matchday 1 in the Premier League for the fourth season in a row. They have scored in 11 games on the bounce at Old Trafford, and it is not since 2013 that United have been unable to shut out the Gunners.

Arsenal Team News

The only injury concerns that the Gunners have ahead of the clash at Old Trafford are long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus, who continues to recover from an ACL injury. Whilst Mikel Arteta is more optimistic about Leandro Trossard’s groin concern and will be able to feature, saying in his pre-match conference that “I think he’s much better. I think he will be able to train again tomorrow, and if that’s the case, he will be fit.

Form Guide

Manchester United pre-season form: DWWDD

Arsenal pre-season form: WWLLW

Prediction

Excitement is building in anticipation of the new campaign as United look to bounce back after the disappointment of last season. We know we have to hit the ground running, and it would be very sweet to come away with the win over our rivals on the opening day. 

Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal