Five things to look out for as United take on Arsenal in their opening match 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.
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to make his competitive Arsenal debut against Manchester United this weekend
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to make his competitive Arsenal debut against Manchester United this weekend
(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
Manchester United kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Arsenal this afternoon and there is positivity in the air.
With last season's dreadful season in the rear view mirror, United have had a decent pre-season and did some exciting business in the transfer market.
As Ruben Amorim prepares for his first full season in charge, there is confidence he can guide United back towards the top end of the Premier League table.
The first acid test of that ambition will come with the visit of the Gunners to Old Trafford, who have finished second in each of the last three seasons.
Here is five things to look out for ahead of the opening day of the season.
First glimpse at dream front three
United's lack of goals were a major problem last season but their summer transfer spree should go a long way to rectifying it this term.
The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, who scored 58 goals between them last term has revolutionised United's front three and they could line up together for the first time against Arsenal.
If they gel together quickly, United could have a much more positive season. Arsenal will hope there are teething problems at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Gyokeres regret?
United decided to sign Sesko, as opposed to Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres who was the top goalscorer in Europe for each of the last two seasons.
He spent the majority of that time playing under United boss Amorim and now he will be the man looking to put a dent into their early season hopes.
United should have an indicator over whether they made the right decision in the transfer market at around 6:30 this evening.
Midfield decision
One of the big decisions facing Amorim is who will partner Bruno Fernandes at the base of the midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo has had an excellent pre-season, while Amorim talked up Mason Mount as a potential option, too. Manuel Ugarte is the frontrunner, though, given the defensive balance he will offer alongside the United captain.
Amorim is keen to add another midfielder to his squad with Carlos Baleba and Morten Hjulmand among the players linked with United.
How pressing a priority that is may be clearer as United pit their wits against an Arsenal midfield of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard which is arguably among the best in the Premier League.
Amorim first
United ended last season with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa and, as of yet, they are yet to win two consecutive games under Amorim.
In fact, they last won consecutive games when they kicked off last season with a 1-0 win over Fulham and that consistency will be something Amorim must address if United are to be successful this season.
Something has to give
United have won on the opening weekend of a Premier League season 22 times, which is more than any other club in the division.
But they are taking on an Arsenal side who are unbeaten in their last 14 away games and unless the match ends in a draw, there may be a buck to one of those trends this evening.