Ruben Amorim has some big decisions to make when it comes to his first United line-up of the season
Sean McCormick is a content editor across our North East and Yorkshire football clubs. He was previously a Newcastle United reporter, a trends writer covering both the Magpies and Sunderland AFC, as well as a football content editor at the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.
New signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha of Manchester United
New signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha of Manchester United
(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images.)
Manchester United kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign this afternoon when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford.
United endured a miserable season last term, finishing in 15th place but with a positive pre-season and a strong transfer window, there is confidence Ruben Amorim can turn things around in his first full season in charge.
An unbeaten pre-season campaign has been bolstered by the signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
And fans should get their first glimpse of their new front three when they take on the Gunners this afternoon as Amorim will likely unleash his new dream attack.
Andre Onana has not had any pre-season action under his belt through injury but is fit to face Arsenal and should start the season in goal. Back-up goalkeper Altay Bayindir looked shaky at times in pre-season and isn't a serious challenger to the number one spot.
United's back three were one of the few positives last season and Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire will be tasked with stopping Arsenal's new forward Viktor Gyokeres from finding the back of the net.
Amad has proven to be adept at right-wing-back and Patrick Dorgu has looked strong in pre-season ahead of his first full season as United's left-wing-back.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to drop into a deeper role in midfield and Manuel Ugarte should start alongside him to provide a bit more defensive balance at the base of midfield. Kobbie Mainoo will be unlucky to miss out but is a positive option from the bench.
And the front three of Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko, who scored 58 goals between them last season, should cure United's goalsoring woes this term.
Manchester United predicted XI vs Arsenal: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire; Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko
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