MATCH PREVIEW: Man Utd vs Arsenal

The Premier League is back after 82 days – and it kicks off in style as Mikel Arteta's men travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on the opening weekend.
 

After a summer in which Arsenal were left to rue another season without silverware – following Champions League semi-final upset and another second-place finish in the Premier League – the Gunners have made several big additions that supporters will hope can finally make the difference come the end of the season.

Have Arsenal finally got their man?

After countless transfer windows where it seemed glaringly obvious to everyone but Mikel Arteta and his staff that Arsenal needed a striker, the Gunners will hope they've finally found their answer in Swedish powerhouse Viktor Gyokeres.

The £55m signing from Sporting was one of Europe's standout performers last season, scoring an incredible 54 goals in 52 games – including a special hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League group phase.

Arteta praised his ability to take responsibility in decisive moments, saying: "His security, dominance and arrogance to say on the pitch, "Don't worry, I'll do it."

The Swede has already smashed club records for shirt sales, further underlining just how excited Arsenal fans are to see him in red and white.

Arsenal have also made five further additions to the squad: Martin Zubimendi to add flair in midfield, Noni Madueke to bring pace on both sides, Christian Mosquera to provide cover at the back, and the invaluable experience of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.

What to expect from the Gunners…

After three consecutive seasons of falling short in the Premier League, many fans and pundits believe the pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta to deliver major silverware for the first time in over five years.

Starts don't come much tougher for Arsenal, with their first six games including trips to United, Liverpool and Newcastle alongside home clashes with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Man City.

The Gunners are on a 14-game unbeaten away run in the Premier League, and maintaining that form will be pivotal for picking up vital points early in the new season.

United's Unraveling

After a dismal season which saw the Red Devil's lose in the Europa League final to Spurs and finish 15th in the league, Ruben Amorim's men are without European football for the first time in a decade.

The consensus at the end of last season was that United would miss out on key targets – but that hasn't been the case. After spending nearly £200m in a transfer window with only domestic football to play for, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be expecting immediate results.

The signings of Premier League proven attackers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo should raise United's level, and the addition of exciting striker and Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko could make an even bigger impact.

Stats and Facts

The 2025-26 season will be Arsenal's 100th consecutive season in the English top-flight.

The Gunners have won their opening league game in five of the last six seasons (L1).

Manchester United begin a ninth consecutive Premier League season with a home game, the longest run in English top-flight history.

Viktor Gyokeres has scored on the opening day in each of his last four campaigns.