Mikel Arteta new season
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expects a stronger Manchester United side this season as the Red Devils look to put a dismal 2024/25 campaign behind them.
Rúben Amorim begins his first full season in charge at Old Trafford after replacing Erik ten Hag in November 2024. However, the Portuguese coach was unable to spark the revival United hoped for, with the team finishing 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European football for the first time in over a decade.
United will open their 2025/26 campaign at home against Arsenal on Sunday, and Arteta addressed the media on Friday ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
Asked whether he expects United to improve this season, Arteta replied: “I don’t know, they will be different as well and the manager will have more time with them.
“They have a pre-season, they made some really good signings as well like anybody else. I think they’ve strengthened, and they will be better than last year, like the rest of the teams.”
The Arsenal boss also reflected on the historic rivalry between the two clubs.
“Well, it’s a lot. It’s some great memories. It’s history,” he said. “It’s the clashes when I was younger as well, and there were some massive characters playing for both teams. It created something different in those games. Now it is different, but it’s still going to be super intense and I’m very excited.”
Looking ahead to the new season, Arteta shared his enthusiasm for the campaign and the work being done behind the scenes at London Colney.
“I think it gets you more and more excited. And the more I spend time with the players and the staff, the more reason they give me to come every single day with a big smile on my face, with a lot of energy. I’m very enthusiastic about what we do and feel very privileged.”
Arsenal will be aiming to start their season strongly as they pursue their first Premier League title since 2004, while United will be desperate to begin the Amorim era in earnest after a turbulent campaign.