Manchester United will open their Premier League campaign this Sunday in a blockbuster late kick-off against Arsenal, a clash that comes with huge expectations for both sides.
After a disappointing 2024/25 season, United will be desperate to show real improvement, while Arsenal are once again aiming to take that final step and lift the league title.
The Red Devils, historically England’s most successful club with 20 league titles, endured one of their worst seasons in recent history. They ended last campaign in 15th place, a staggering 32 points adrift of Arsenal and an incredible 42 behind champions Liverpool. Coincidentally, 42 was also the total number of points United managed to scrape together in 38 matches.
Manager Ruben Amorim, who took charge in November, had a tough introduction to life at Old Trafford. In 42 games, he picked up only 16 wins, far below expectations for a club of United’s stature. However, after a heavy summer of investment that saw close to £200 million spent on new signings, Amorim will be hoping for a much stronger showing in 2025/26.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have their own frustrations to overcome. The Gunners have finished second in each of the last three seasons, coming agonisingly close to the Premier League crown but falling short.
Not since the famous 2003/04 “Invincibles” season have they lifted the league title, and Mikel Arteta is determined to change that. Like Amorim, he has also overseen big-money signings this summer, including the high-profile arrivals of Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres.
Interestingly, Gyökeres was heavily linked with United due to his past connection with Amorim at Sporting. However, Arsenal swooped in with a £64 million deal after the striker’s remarkable 57 goals in 49 appearances last season.
He now looks set to play a vital role in their title chase. Bookmakers currently rank Arsenal as second favourites behind Liverpool to win the league, while United are rated fifth, behind Manchester City and Chelsea.
This fixture also carries plenty of historical weight. United and Arsenal have met 243 times, with the Red Devils winning 99 of those encounters compared to Arsenal’s 89, alongside 55 draws.
If United win on Sunday, they will become the first team in history to beat Arsenal 100 times across all competitions. United’s recent home record against Arsenal is strong—just two losses in 18 league matches at Old Trafford—though both defeats have come during Arteta’s tenure.
Scoring goals was United’s biggest issue last season, with only 44 in the league, but the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko are expected to change that.
Mbeumo, in particular, is seen as a threat after netting 21 times last season, including strikes against Arsenal, Tottenham, and West Ham.
With Arsenal’s attacking power and United’s new-look frontline, the season opener promises drama. Whether it ends in a thrilling draw, a statement win, or another setback, this match will offer an early glimpse of both clubs’ ambitions for the campaign ahead.
