A new Premier League season is here, and with it comes renewed ambition, high expectations, and an opening weekend packed with heavyweight clashes.

One of the standout fixtures to cap off the Sunday spoils sees Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Sunday evening kick-off — a meeting of two traditional powerhouses currently operating on very different trajectories.

United are entering a new chapter under Rúben Amorim, hoping to put last season’s dismal showing behind them after finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final against the football odds. It was their lowest league finish in over three decades — a campaign marked by chaos, underperformance and managerial upheaval.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive at Old Trafford with title ambitions intact. According to new UK betting sites, the Gunners are among the early favourites to win the Premier League, while United sit well adrift in the betting — a reflection of both sides’ recent form and overall direction.

A New Era Under Amorim

The 2024-25 season will be remembered for all the wrong reasons—15th place with just 42 points, their lowest league position since 1989-90 and fewest points since their relegation campaign in 1973-74.

The statistics make for grim reading: only seven home victories from 19 matches, with nine defeats tying their worst home record in club history. United's attacking output was particularly concerning, with only the three relegated sides scoring fewer goals at Old Trafford. Amorim faces the monumental task of restoring the intimidating atmosphere that once made Old Trafford a fortress.

Arsenal's Persistent Title Pursuit

Arsenal arrive at Old Trafford as familiar runners-up, having finished second for the third consecutive season. Despite accumulating fewer than 70 goals—a concerning trend for title aspirants—Mikel Arteta's side demonstrated remarkable consistency, though 14 draws ultimately undermined their championship ambitions.

Their away form provides encouragement, with 35 points earned on the road representing 47.3% of their total. However, eight away draws, including one at Old Trafford last season, highlighted their tendency toward cautious performances in challenging fixtures.

Transfer activity

Both sides have been busy in the transfer window. There’s been no shortage of movement this summer on either side. Arsenal have confirmed the €73.5m (£63.5m) signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting — a player Amorim knows well but couldn’t convince to join him at Old Trafford. The Gunners have also strengthened midfield depth with Christian Nørgaard and marquee arrival Martin Zubimendi, the latter expected to start here.

United, meanwhile, have seen Marcus Rashford leave on a season-long loan to Barcelona, a deal which included a 25% wage cut and a £30.3m option to buy. That move created space for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who arrives for £65m (plus £6m in add-ons) after a lengthy transfer saga. Amorim is also expected to hand debuts to striker Matheus Cunha and full-back Diego León, both signed earlier in the window.

Historical Context and Key Battles

Arsenal's recent dominance in this fixture cannot be ignored—unbeaten across their last five Premier League meetings with four victories and one draw. United have managed just one victory in their previous seven league encounters, a statistic that will weigh heavily on Amorim's tactical preparations.

Bukayo Saka emerges as a central figure for Arsenal, having recovered from injury concerns to establish himself as their primary creative threat. His opportunity to join Geoff Strong and Thierry Henry as the only Arsenal players to score on opening matchday in three consecutive seasons adds individual motivation to collective ambitions.

Team News

United's preparations are complicated by Noussair Mazraoui's thigh injury, though the exact return timeline remains unclear. Lisandro Martinez's extended absence until 2026 continues to impact defensive stability, while summer acquisitions Matheus Cunha and Diego León could feature prominently in their full debuts.

Arsenal are expected to have centre-back Gabriel Magalhães available after a minor thigh issue. Martin Zubimendi is set to make his debut, while fellow midfield addition Christian Nørgaard could feature from the bench. Bukayo Saka is fit and looking to make history with a third consecutive opening-day goal.

-

Arsenal arrive to the 25/26 campaign with greater stability, improved recruitment, and a strong recent record at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are still finding their feet under Rúben Amorim and carry the burden of last season’s worst-ever Premier League finish.

Prediction: Manchester United 1–2 Arsenal.