Manchester United vs. Arsenal | Premier League | Gameweek 01 - Sunday August 17

The Manchester United vs. Arsenal match is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Old Trafford, marking the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

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The Manchester United vs. Arsenal match is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Old Trafford, marking the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

This highly anticipated game is of great importance to both teams, with Arsenal likely to continue their positive form against a Manchester United side hoping to recover from a challenging campaign.

Below is a thorough match preview based on the most recent information available.

Match Details:

NAME: Manchester United vs. Arsenal
DATE: August 17, 2025
TIME: 4:30 PM BST (11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT)
VENUE: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

When is Manchester United vs. Arsenal?

Manchester United vs. Arsenal is scheduled for an 4.30 pm UK kick-off on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

How to watch?

JioHotstar in India, Sky Sports in the UK, Peacock in US & fuboTV Canada, fuboTV Canada in Canada will all be airing live coverage of the event.

Live Match

Manchester United vs. Arsenal Team News

Manchester United Team News

Injuries:

Lisandro Martinez (Defender): Has sustained an ACL injury, which means he will be out of action until at least 2026.

His absence is a major concern for United’s defense, as he was a key player in their backline when he was fit, providing both strength and quality in possession.

Noussair Mazraoui (Defender): Is sidelined with a thigh injury suffered during pre-season.

The summer signing from Bayern Munich was anticipated to strengthen the right-back position, but his absence may force United to use less experienced or out-of-position players.

Joshua Zirkzee (Forward): Is dealing with a minor injury from training.

While not as serious as the other injuries, his potential absence may reduce United’s attacking options, especially given the lack of depth in their forward line.

Andre Onana (Goalkeeper): Is doubtful due to a thigh problem.

If Onana cannot play, Altay Bayindir is expected to take his place. Bayindir performed well during pre-season but has limited Premier League experience and will face a tough challenge against Arsenal’s strong attacking team.

Suspensions:

Patrick Dorgu (Defender): Is serving a domestic suspension, which could be due to a disciplinary issue from pre-season or carry over from last season.

His absence weakens United’s left flank, as he was expected to compete for a starting spot.

Doubtful Players:

Harry Maguire (Defender): Is recovering from an injury sustained in pre-season.

His experience is valuable for a depleted defense, but his availability is uncertain. If he is fit, he could provide stability alongside Leny Yoro.

Manuel Ugarte (Midfielder): Is also uncertain due to a minor injury.

The summer signing from PSG was aimed at adding physicality to the midfield, but his absence could mean Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are paired again, possibly leaving United vulnerable against Arsenal’s strong midfield.

Available Key Players:

Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder): The captain and creative force for United, with 8 goals and 10 assists in the 2024/25 season, is fully fit.

His ability to create chances will be crucial in breaking down Arsenal’s organized defense.

Matheus Cunha (Forward): The new signing from Wolverhampton, acquired for around £60 million, is available and expected to start.
Cunha’s pace and goal-scoring ability, demonstrated with 7 goals in 2024/25 for Wolves, could benefit from Arsenal’s weakened defense.

Bryan Mbeumo (Forward): Another summer signing from Brentford, Mbeumo, who scored 9 goals and made 6 assists in 2024/25, brings pace and directness to United’s attack.
He is likely to play on the right wing, cutting inside to create opportunities.

Casemiro (Midfielder): Despite a decline in form last season, the experienced midfielder is fit and expected to start, offering defensive support and leadership in a likely 3-4-3 formation under Ruben Amorim.

Leny Yoro (Defender): The young center-back, signed from Lille, is available and expected to start.
His composure and aerial ability will be essential in dealing with Arsenal’s new striker, Viktor Gyokeres.

Context and Squad Impact:

United’s injury list, particularly in defense, is a major issue, limiting their options.

With Martinez and Mazraoui out, and Maguire potentially missing, Amorim may have to rely on a less experienced backline comprising Yoro, Luke Shaw, and possibly Diogo Dalot or a less experienced player like Harry Amass.

The absence of Dorgu, along with uncertainty over Onana, adds to the challenge, with Bayindir’s inexperience in high-pressure games being a concern.

In attack, the integration of Cunha and Mbeumo will be vital, as United struggled with consistent goal scoring last season (46 league goals, among the lowest in the top half).

Fernandes remains the central figure, but his effectiveness depends on support from a squad that has struggled with consistency.

Pre-season showed potential with wins over Bournemouth and West Ham, but United’s 15th-place finish last season and four league losses in their last six games highlight the challenges they face.

Arsenal Team News

Injuries:

Gabriel Jesus (Forward): Has suffered an ACL injury, which means he will be out for several weeks.

His absence is a setback for Arsenal's attacking options, but the newly signed Viktor Gyokeres is expected to take his place as the main striker.

Riccardo Calafiori (Defender): Sustained an injury during pre-season, making him uncertain for the match.

This versatile defender, who joined from Bologna, was expected to challenge for a starting role at left-back or center-back. If unavailable, Myles Lewis-Skelly or Oleksandr Zinchenko may step in.

Jurrien Timber (Defender): Is doubtful due to an ankle injury.

Timber's adaptability across the backline was a key asset last season, and his absence may lead to adjustments in Arsenal's defensive strategy, especially with Calafiori also uncertain.

Gabriel Magalhaes (Defender): Has a hamstring issue, but recent updates suggest he is likely to play.

His partnership with William Saliba is vital for the team's defensive stability, and his availability would be a significant advantage.

Leandro Trossard (Forward): Is doubtful due to a knock.

His ability to play on the left wing or as a false nine was valuable last season, with 8 goals and 2 assists. His absence could see Gabriel Martinelli or Kai Havertz take on more width.

Suspensions:

There are no reported suspensions for Arsenal, allowing Arteta to select players without any disciplinary issues.

Available Key Players:

Bukayo Saka (Winger): Arsenal’s standout performer with 6 goals and 10 assists in the 2024/25 season, he is fully fit.

His speed, creativity, and ability to threaten from the right wing make him a key asset against United’s weakened defense.

Viktor Gyokeres (Forward): The £65m signing from Sporting CP, who scored 39 goals in the 2024/25 season, is available and expected to lead the attack.

His physical presence and finishing ability could trouble United’s struggling backline.

Martin Zubimendi (Midfielder): The new addition from Real Sociedad, who is fit, is likely to start.

His composure and defensive awareness will support Declan Rice in the midfield.

Declan Rice (Midfielder): Fully fit, Rice contributed 6 goals and 5 assists last season.

He will anchor the midfield, offering balance and allowing Martin Odegaard to push forward.

Martin Odegaard (Midfielder): The team captain, who scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists last season, is available.

His playmaking abilities will be crucial in targeting United’s midfield weaknesses.

William Saliba (Defender): Fully fit and expected to start, Saliba's calmness and defensive skills (part of a backline that allowed just 34 goals last season) will be vital against United's new attacking pair.

Context and Squad Impact:

While Arsenal have some injury concerns, they are not as serious as those faced by United.

The loss of Jesus means the team will rely on Gyokeres, who has the talent but lacks Premier League experience. Uncertainty surrounding Calafiori and Timber could lead to a defensive line of Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel (if fit), and either Lewis-Skelly or Zinchenko, with Jakub Kiwior as an alternative.

The midfield trio of Zubimendi, Rice, and Odegaard is strong, offering a mix of strength and creativity that could overwhelm United's Casemiro-Fernandes pairing.

Saka and Martinelli's pace will test United’s temporary full-backs, while Gyokeres' goal-scoring form makes him a focal point.

Arsenal’s pre-season victories over AC Milan and Newcastle suggest they are in good form, but their recent league record of three losses in the last six matches indicates some inconsistency that needs to be addressed.

Manchester United vs. Arsenal Match Summary

Highlights - Manchester United vs. Arsenal

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Match Preview

Mikel Arteta is confident heading into Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17, 2025, at Old Trafford. Following a strong 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup, where new signings Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz scored, Arteta emphasized Arsenal’s readiness:

“We’re very much ready to start the season on Sunday.” He highlighted the team’s depth and versatility, noting, “In every position now, we have different qualities. We can adapt and change things during games, which makes it difficult for opponents.” The return of Gabriel Magalhaes, who looked sharp against Bilbao after a rusty pre-season, bolsters Arsenal’s defense alongside William Saliba, forming one of the league’s strongest partnerships.

Arsenal’s aggressive transfer window, with six signings including Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, has addressed depth issues that plagued them last season, particularly with injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Arteta believes this depth will allow tactical flexibility, saying, “Hopefully this season we can decide what is the best team with the best players to play against this opponent.” However, injuries to Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu could pose challenges, though Myles Lewis-Skelly is available after suspension.

The Gunners face a Manchester United side under Ruben Amorim, who’s looking to rebound from a poor 2024/25 season. United have lost their last four Premier League games against Arsenal, and Arteta holds a 70% win rate against them, the highest of any manager facing United at least five times. Despite United’s new signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, their inconsistent form and injury concerns (up to ten players, including Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez) make Arsenal favorites.

The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal a 51% chance of winning, compared to United’s 23%, with a 26% chance of a draw.

Arteta acknowledged United’s new energy under Amorim, saying, “You can see his fingerprints... He brings energy to the club, to the players, new ideas.” However, he stressed Arsenal’s need to perform at a high level to secure a win, given United’s potential to capitalize on transitions and set pieces. Arsenal’s recent record at Old Trafford is mixed, with two wins in their last five visits, but they’ve scored in each of their last 10 Premier League games there, netting 13 goals.

Predicted starting lineup

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Manchester United vs. Arsenal