Rúben Amorim is expected to hand Benajmin Šeško his Manchester United debut as the club welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season.
After a five-match pre-season taking in Sweden, the United States, and a return to Old Trafford, Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United are set to begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Wins over West Ham and Bournemouth, along with draws against Leeds United, Everton, and Fiorentina, saw the Reds go unbeaten. A penalty shootout victory over Fiorentina added the Snapdragon Cup to their pre-season successes.
The focus now is on Sunday, 17 August, when Arsenal visit Old Trafford for a blockbuster opening fixture.
The encounter will feature several debutants, with Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo in line for United, while Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke could make their first competitive appearances under Mikel Arteta.
Four new signings to be included vs Arsenal
After five pre-season fixtures, Amorim will have a good idea of the squad he wants to select as the club head into their first competitive fixture of 2025/26.
Despite Altay Bayındır playing in four of the five preparation games, André Onana is back in full training and expected to return to the starting XI, with the Turkish international relegated back to his role on the bench.
As for the defence, Lisandro Martínez is still recovering from his injury, and Noussair Mazraoui remains out of action. Those such as Ayden Heaven, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Leny Yoro, and Luke Shaw will continue in the squad.
New signing Diego Leon looks set to be included, too. His exclusion from the U21s squad against Tamworth on Wednesday evening is a surefire sign that he is now seen as a first-team member, and with Harry Amass set to be loaned, Leon is the natural second-choice fit to rival Dorgu at left wing-back.
As for midfield, with Toby Collyer set to join West Bromwich Albion on loan, Amorim is fairly light in the department. Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte are all vying for a place alongside Bruno Fernandes, while Mason Mount is expected to be included in the squad, too.
As for the front three, the forward department is expected to see the club’s three new additions included in their first competitive squad for United. Cunha, Mbeumo, and Šeško were signed for around £200 million this summer, and could all play from the start.
Šeško was involved in his first game for United on Sunday, playing against the U21s at Carrington, and is clearly being fast-tracked by Amorim for a debut against Arsenal. Amid the uncertain future of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee only re-joining first-team training this week, the 22-year-old could be played from the off.
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While Zirkzee is expected to be back in the squad following his return from injury, Højlund could be left out of the team entirely after opening the door to a potential loan move to AC Milan.
United expected squad vs Arsenal
Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon.
Midfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo.
Forwards: Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško.
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