The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off with a bang as Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 21:00 IST. This mouth-watering encounter promises to set the tone for both clubs’ campaigns after contrasting fortunes in the previous season.
Table of Contents
Season Context and Recent Form
Manchester United endured their worst Premier League season as they finished 15th, while they also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal’s title challenge fizzled out, though they still finished as runners-up for the third consecutive year.
Arsenal will be aiming to fight for the title once more in what is their 100th consecutive season in the English top-flight, the longest ongoing run of any side. The Gunners have historically started seasons well, having won their opening league game in five of the last six seasons, including each of the previous three.
For United, this represents a fresh start under Ruben Amorim, who will be looking to kick the season off on a positive note. The Red Devils have traditionally been strong on opening day, having won their opener in the competition more often than any other side (22) while also having the best win rate on MD 1 of any side to play more than one season (67%).
Key Summer Transfers and Squad Changes
Both clubs have been active in the transfer market to address their shortcomings from the previous campaign.
Arsenal’s Summer Business
The Gunners have concluded deals for Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The most high-profile addition appears to be Viktor Gyokeres, a striker Amorim knows all about from their shared days at Sporting.
Manchester United’s Reinforcements
United have brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Benjamin Sesko signed just over a week before the meeting with Arsenal, and their trip to Old Trafford could provide the perfect opportunity for the Slovenian striker to make his bow.
Head-to-Head Record
| Competition | Man Utd Wins | Arsenal Wins | Draws | Total Meetings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions | 99 | 89 | 55 | 243 |
| Premier League at Old Trafford | 10 | 2 | 6 | 18 (last 18 meetings) |
Manchester United have lost just two of their last 18 Premier League home games against Arsenal, with both defeats coming under Arteta’s management (1-0 in both November 2020 and May 2024).
Remarkably, this is just the second time in English league history United will host Arsenal in their league opener, previously beating the Gunners 4-1 in 1989-90. United have won 99 of their 243 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions (D55 L89). They’ve only beaten Aston Villa (107) more often, while they would be the first team to beat the Gunners 100 times if they’re victorious on Sunday.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Arsenal’s Away Form
Arsenal’s strong away form was a highlight of last season, particularly in the second half of the campaign. They head into Sunday’s trip unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League away games since a 1-0 loss at Newcastle United in November.
The Gunners have also been prolific at Old Trafford in recent years, scoring in each of their last 11 Premier League visits (14 goals).
United’s Home Advantage
United start the Premier League season at home for the ninth successive year, providing them with the comfort of familiar surroundings as they seek to improve on their disappointing previous campaign.
United failed to win consecutive league matches across the whole of last season. But having beaten Aston Villa on the final day of 2024-25, they could win back-to-back outings in the Premier League for the first time since MD 1 of last term.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United Predicted XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | André Onana |
| CB | Leny Yoro |
| CB | Harry Maguire |
| CB | Ayden Heaven |
| RW | Amad Diallo |
| CDM | Casemiro |
| CM | Bruno Fernandes (C) |
| LW | Bryan Mbeumo |
| AM | Matheus Cunha |
| ST | Benjamin Sesko |
Arsenal Predicted XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | David Raya |
| RB | Jurriën Timber |
| CB | William Saliba |
| CB | Gabriel Magalhães |
| LB | Riccardo Calafiori |
| CM | Martin Ødegaard (C) |
| CDM | Martín Zubimendi |
| CM | Declan Rice |
| RW | Bukayo Saka |
| ST | Viktor Gyökeres |
| LW | Gabriel Martinelli |
Injury Updates and Team News
Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui did not appear in the American leg of Tour 2025, presented by Snapdragon, nor in the Fiorentina friendly back in M16, so updates on that pair, plus any further team news, may be delivered by Amorim in his pre-match press conference.
Arsenal
The visitors are kicking off the season with a relatively clean bill of health. Gabriel Jesus is the most notable absentee, as he is still recovering from a knee injury. Leandro Trossard is the only other concern, having picked up a slight groin strain in the Gunners’ pre-season meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
Where to Watch
The 21:00 IST kick-off will be broadcast live on Star Sports Select in India, with live streaming available on JioHotstar from Old Trafford.
Prediction and Betting Odds
Manchester United’s hopes of making a winning start to the new campaign are just 29.5%, while the match finished in a draw in 25.4% of the simulations, giving Arsenal approximately a 45% chance of victory.
This clash promises to be a fascinating encounter between two clubs with vastly different expectations for the season ahead. Arsenal will view this as a must-win to establish early momentum in their title charge, while United desperately need a positive result to restore confidence after their dismal previous campaign.
Read More: Benjamin Sesko’s Manchester United Test: Converting Spectacular Strikes into Consistent Goals
FAQs
What time does Manchester United vs Arsenal kick off?
The match kicks off at 21:00 IST on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Old Trafford.
Which TV channel is showing Manchester United vs Arsenal?
Star Sports Select will broadcast the match in India, with live streaming available on JioHotstar.
What is Arsenal’s recent record at Old Trafford?
Arsenal have scored in each of their last 11 Premier League visits to Old Trafford but have only won twice in their last 18 away league games against United.
Who are the key new signings for both teams?
Arsenal’s marquee signing appears to be Viktor Gyökeres, while United have added Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo to their squad.
What was each team’s finishing position last season?
Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League, their worst-ever finish, while Arsenal finished as runners-up for the third consecutive season.
