Manchester United make ‘major progress’ on massive double deal as Arsenal scout £67m starplaceholder image
Manchester United make ‘major progress’ on massive double deal as Arsenal scout £67m star | Getty Images
Manchester United play against Arsenal in their first game of the season at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will hope for better than last year, as they finished 15th in the league, their worst finish in the Premier League era. But, it doesn’t start off simple for Amorim’s side, playing against an Arsenal side who have finished second in the last three seasons.
Last year, they met three times, the first coming in early December, when Arsenal won 2-0 against United early on in Amorim’s reign at the club. Then, they played each other in the FA Cup third round, when the Red Devils won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The final meeting of the pair was in March, when they drew 1-1 again at Old Trafford.
Why Man United have reason to be confident against Arsenal
No doubt that Amorim will know how tough a first game it will be to welcome title hopefuls to Old Trafford. However, after a busy transfer window, he will hope that his squad is capable of getting a result against the Gunners.
But, another reason why United should be optimistic about the opening game, is their record on the first day of the Premier League season is superb in recent years, despite all their struggles.
United have won the last two opening games; last season it was a 1-0 win against Fulham, when Joshua Zirkzee scored on his debut, and the prior season, a 1-0 win at home to Wolves.
In the 2022/23 season, they lost on the opening day to Brighton, but before that, managed to win six of their previous seven opening games, including victories over the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, Leeds and West Ham United.
In the history of the Premier League, only Chelsea have picked up more points on the opening day than United. Since the creation of the Premier League, United have played 31 games, winning 20, drawing four, and losing seven on the opening day, amassing a total of 64 points.
So despite the fact that they have a tough opening game, Amorim’s side will hope that they can maintain their strong opening day record, and get all three points in front of the Old Trafford crowd against their rivals Arsenal.
What other fixtures should Man United look out for?
The Red Devils play against Arne Slot’s Liverpool on Saturday 18 October at Anfield, before welcoming their bitter rivals to Old Trafford on Saturday 2 May, which could have huge title implications.
In terms of the Manchester derby, United first make the short trip to the Etihad on Saturday 13 September, before welcoming Pep Guardiola’s side to Old Trafford on Saturday 17 January during the transfer window.
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