Man United host Arsenal this weekend and the pundits have had their say on the clash.
Viktor Gyokeres performs his celebration after scoring for Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres performs his celebration after scoring for Arsenal
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal on Sunday as they look to make a positive start to Ruben Amorim's first full season in charge.
With last season's dreadful 15th placed finish behind them, United have had a decent pre-season they will hope they can build on in the new campaign.
But they begin it with a clash against a Gunners side who have finished second in each of the last three seasons and will be targeting going one better this season.
It all makes for an intriguing opening day encounter, and a number of prominent pundits have offered their predictions on how they think it will pan out.
Alan Shearer
The former England and Newcastle captain told Betfair: "It's wonderful for us to sit down on Sunday and watch two giants go head to head so early in the season. Tough one to call so I'll go for a draw.
"There's always a surprise result on the opening weekend. I don't know what a surprise result would be in this game. It's so tough to call with so many interesting moving parts. Gyokeres on one side, Sesko on the other.
"Amorim and Gyokeres know each other really well. Zubimendi may free up Declan Rice more, Man United have done really well in forward positions. It's a tough one to call so early in the season. There'll be needle at Old Trafford."
Shearer's prediction: Draw.
Chris Sutton
The former Blackburn and Celtic forward told BBC Sport: "What a great game this is to start the season with. I am genuinely excited about Manchester United's new signings, especially Mbeumo and Cunha - we have already seen just how good they are in the Premier League.
"I can't claim to have an incredible knowledge on EVERY player so I must admit I have seen less of United's new striker Benjamin Sesko, but he seems a player with a lot of potential and his arrival surely spells the end for Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford.
"Arsenal have a new centre-forward too of course, and United boss Ruben Amorim knows all about Viktor Gyokeres after their time together at Sporting.
"I am looking forward to seeing how Gyokeres links up with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, and how quickly they can develop an understanding.
"Add in how there is always needle in this match, and that a win would be huge for either side, and there is a lot to look forward to.
"It is going to be close, but although I feel really positive about United this season, I think they will lose this and Gyokeres may just have the final say against his old manager."
Paul Merson
The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: "This is a must-win game for Arsenal, it's as simple as that. If you have a look at their fixtures after this weekend, it goes like - Leeds United at home, Liverpool away, Forest and Man City at home before a trip to Newcastle.
"If they don't beat Manchester United on Sunday, I don't expect them to beat Liverpool and City during this run! So all of a sudden, they could be seven or nine points behind in the title race.
"Now people talk about it being a long season with 38 games. But if Arsenal are trailing Liverpool by nine points by September, I don't think they will be able to catch up. If Arsenal draw and Liverpool win this weekend, and the Reds beat them at Anfield in gameweek three, the Gunners will be five points behind Arne Slot's men. That is still a huge problem if you're Arsenal. So I cannot emphasise enough on why Arsenal must beat United, otherwise this could end up being a nightmare start for them.
"Viktor Gyokeres scored a brilliant header in pre-season. When Arsenal are under pressure in certain games, he will become a nuisance to opponents by running the channels and working the defenders. He's a real presence in front of goal and you can count on him to cause problems to opponents.
"I think Arsenal can win the league, if they can keep all their main players fit. I'd be shocked if Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all play 35 games and Arsenal still don't win the Premier League. They are massive favourites if that happens.
"Mikel Arteta and Arsenal must forget about the 37 games they have coming up after this weekend. This is the problem with some people in this league, you should never go into a new season with a mindset of making up points later. Look at Jose Mourinho when he was successful at Chelsea, he always got off the block quickly. It's true that you can't win the league in October, but you can surely lose it if you're not sharp enough."
Merson's prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal
Harry Redknapp
The former Tottenham boss told BetVictor: "Who knows what to expect from United this season? It’s anyone’s guess. They’ve brought in a few forward players though and I like the business they’ve done. That being said, I’m a little surprised to see so few additions at the back or in midfield. I thought that was more needed personally.
"As for Arsenal, after going so close in the last couple of seasons, is this finally going to be their year? Arteta’s strengthened the squad, added some extra firepower and they look well-equipped for another title challenge.
"I just think we’ll see a thriller at Old Trafford. Plenty of goals, plenty of chances for both sides. I’m going for a draw."
Redknapp's prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal