After a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, Rúben Amorim has wasted no time reshaping Manchester United’s attack. The summer has seen a flurry of reinforcements, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Šeško adding pace, creativity, and firepower to United's frontline. All three are expected to feature at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Across the touchline, Mikel Arteta has finally addressed the criticism that his Arsenal side lacked a true number nine. In comes Viktor Gyökeres , a prolific and powerful striker eager to make an instant statement against his former manager. The Gunners also secured the services of Martin Zubimendi, beating off fierce competition for the midfielder’s signature. The Spaniard has already caught the eye in pre-season.
When these two sides met here last season, drama unfolded late. A Bruno Fernandes free-kick was cancelled out by a 74th-minute strike from Declan Rice, leaving the spoils shared. Both managers will be desperate to avoid another stalemate this time around, especially with early-season momentum on the line.
Manchester United
The Red Devils go into Sunday's 16:30 BST kick-off with a relatively fresh squad.
Andre Onana missed United's pre-season but returned to training earlier this week. Will he get the green light to start ahead of Altay Bayindir, who shared minutes with Tom Heaton over the summer?
Joshua Zirkzee did not feature for United in pre-season but was photographed training in Carrington this week. The Dutch international may be fit, but he will face competition from the new signing Benjamin Sesko.
Lisandro Martinez continues his ACL recovery and most likely will not feature in the Premier League opener.
Arsenal
The Gunners endured an injury-ridden campaign last season, missing key players during the title run-in. With the summer to rest and recover, Arsenal come into this season with most of their squad fit and ready to fire.
Gabriel Jesus remains nursing his ACL injury and will not be in Sunday's squad.
Leandro Trossard did not feature in Arsenal's final pre-season fixture at home to Athletic Club due to a groin niggle, but should be available for the season opener.
Predicted Line-Ups
Manchester United
Onana; Heaven, Maguire, Yoro; Amad, Mount, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Mbuemo; Cuhna
Arsenal
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Key Players
Manchester United - Bruno Fernandes
The Manchester United captain remains one of the most polarising figures in the Premier League, but whether you like him or not, Bruno Fernandes has the quality to dismantle top defences.
Despite a tumultuous season for United, Fernandes salvaged a more than respectable 18 goal contributions in 36 league appearances, earning himself a PFA Player of the Year nomination.
The Portuguese midfielder made himself known to the Arsenal backline last season with a brilliant free kick in this exact fixture aswell as with a cooly taken finish in the FA Cup.
The creative midfielder will look to make use of his new forwards direct runs to unlock the usually faultless Arsenal defence.
**Arsenal - **Viktor****Gyökeres
All eyes will be on Arsenal's new centre-forward this weekend, The towering Swede touches down in the Premier League carrying a goalscoring record few in Europe can match. Billed as the final piece in Mikel Arteta's title-chasing puzzle, the 27-year old will want to have a say in Sunday's affair.
Gyökeres has already given fans a glimpse of what's to come scoring a thumping header against Athletic Club. His performance felt like a statement of intent. Powerful, relentless, and direct.
Wearing the iconic number 14 on his back, Gyökeres now steps into the shadow of club legend Theirry Henry, the last man to lead the Gunners to the Premier League. Twenty-one years on, fans dare to dream that Gyökeres might be the man to end the drought.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at Manchester United's home stadium, Old Trafford.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for Sunday, 17th August at 16:30 BST.
How can I watch?
The match will be televised live on Sky Sports. Alternatively, written coverage will be available pre-match and post-match here at VAVEL UK.