Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview
Gameweek 1 of the Premier League kicks off with a blockbuster clash at Old Trafford on Sunday as Manchester United host Arsenal in their 244th all-time meeting. This rivalry has delivered drama, goals, and title-defining moments, and this opener could be no different.
Manchester United enter a new era under manager Ruben Amorim, who had a full summer to mold the squad, after being lured from FC Porto to replace Erik ten Hag during a turbulent 2024/25 campaign that ended in a disappointing 15th-place finish. Amorim faces the task of restoring United's identity while integrating fresh ideas into a side eager to prove themselves.
Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, arrive with eyes firmly on the prize, ending a two-decade wait for the Premier League title. After three consecutive second-place finishes, the Gunners will see this match as a statement opportunity, with a strong start potentially setting the tone for another title challenge.
Premier League Schedule and Fixture Difficulty Ranker
Manchester United vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record
Manchester United and Arsenal have met on 243 occasions, dating back to 1894 when the sides played to a 3-3 draw in a League Division Two matchup.
Manchester United lead the all-time series, winning 102 times and drawing on 51 occasions.
Over the last five Premier League seasons, Arsenal have dominated the fixture, winning six times and drawing twice in 10 Premier League matchups.
Fixture Trivia
Fixture Trivia Question: In the Arsenal-Manchester United matchup that resulted in the largest margin of victory between the two sides, which player(s) scored a hat trick?
(Answer provided on Gameweek 2's Premier League Preview article)
Betting Odds and Predictions for Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea Match
Premier League Odds Comparisons
Moneyline Odds
DraftKings: MUN +260 Draw +260, ARS +105
FanDuel: MUN +260 Draw +260, ARS -105
BetMGM: MUN +250 Draw +265, ARS +105
Bet365: MUN +270 Draw +260, ARS -106
Visit RotoWire all season for exclusive sports betting picks and our weekly Premier League betting show. Remember that betting apps vary in terms of odds, so we have an easy-to-use odds page that allows you to shop for the best lines at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and PointsBet. Claim over a thousand dollars in bonuses by signing up at the best sports betting sites using the best sportsbook promos.
RECENT FORM
Manchester United had an inauspicious preseason that included three wins, three draws and a 1-0 loss to the ASEAN All Stars.
Arsenal finished their pre-season fixture list winning three times, including a 3-2 victory over Newcastle, and losing twice, including a 1-0 loss to Tottenham.
FORMATIONS
Manchester United are most likely to line up in the 3-4-3 shape that has defined Amorim's tactical approach throughout his management career. The question will be how Amorim wants to use his new weapons with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all fighting for times with the regulars Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
Arsenal's shape has been pliable under manager Mikel Arteta. With a newly signed No. 9 and a reconstituted defensive midfield, expect Arteta to use a base 4-2-3-1 formation with the ability to push players forward when in possession and create defensive solidity in front of goalkeeper David Raya.
LINEUP NOTES & INJURY NEWS
Premier League Predicted & Confirmed Lineups
Manchester United Injury News
Goalkeeper Andre Onana (hamstring) will be available for this match despite being out the last few weeks. He trained with the team this week, portending his involvement in the clash versus Arsenal. If deemed not fit, look for Altay Bayindir to start between the sticks. Bayindir managed 14 clearances and 10 saves while conceding eight goals and recording a single clean sheet across four Premier League starting appearances last season.
Lisandro Martinez has resumed training with a ball but remains weeks (or months) away as he recovers from a significant ACL injury.
Arsenal Injury News
Leandro Trossard (groin) could be back for for the Gunners after recovering from a tweak he suffered during a preseason friendly. Expect Gabriel Martinelli to play the lion's share of minutes on the left side of the Arsenal attack with Noni Madueke to come in behind him. Trossard has been in numerous rumors to leave the club this summer.
Gabriel Jesus recently returned to training on grass, but his return is not imminent as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury.
KEY MATCHUPS
Man United attack versus William Saliba and Gabriel
United will look vastly different in their attack compared to last season and supporters will hope that results in goals against Arsenal. Given how little the likes of Fernandes, Cunha and Mbeumo have played together, a battle against one of the best defenses in the league will be a difficult opener.
Bukayo Saka versus United wing-backs (Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Diallo)
The success of Amorim's 3-4-3 system is predicated upon his wing-backs controlling the pace of play on the flanks by providing width and pushing forward when in possession and tracking back to provide cover when dispossessed. Saka has the guile and speed to exploit the space behind the United wing-backs in transition opportunities, making this matchup an inflection point for the fixture.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Martin Odegaard had his fewest goal contributions (11) in a single Premier League season for Arsenal during the 2024/2025 campaign, equalling his total from his first full season with the club (2021/2022). With the high-profile additions of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to the Gunners' midfield, expect Odegaard to more freely be able to push forward into an attacking midfield role and pull the strings in the Arsenal attack.
Expect Odegaard to lead the Arsenal midfield as they overrun a Manchester United midfield unit that struggled to control the middle of the park during the previous campaign and has not been refreshed.
PREDICTED RESULT
Arsenal 2 - Manchester United 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Manchester United: Aug. 24 at Fulham
Arsenal: Aug. 23 vs. Leeds United
