Manchester United and Arsenal lock horns at Old Trafford in a high-octane clash, each aiming to kick off the campaign with a bang
In Uganda, Manchester United fans gathered in jerseys for what appeared to be a prayer session ahead of the game
The viral video sparked mixed reactions online, with netizens joking and sharing unfiltered takes about it
The English Premier League made its much-anticipated return on Friday, August 15, sending a wave of excitement across the globe.
Manchester United play Arsenal on their opening day.
Manchester United fans in Uganda gathered ahead of their opener against Arsenal. Photo: Ash Donelon/Manchester United, Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images
After nearly three months without top-tier football and a busy transfer window filled with signings, sales, and squad revamps, fans are eager to see how their favourite teams will perform this season.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Among the most eager supporters are fans of Manchester United and Arsenal, who lock horns today, August 17, in what promises to be a high-energy encounter at Old Trafford.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
For Manchester United, this season is one of hope and redemption after a disappointing campaign last year when they finished fifteenth, lost a Europa final to Tottenham, and failed to secure European football.
= width) 130px, 256px">= width) 130px, 256px" loading="lazy" decoding="async">[Read also
Viktor Gyokeres' transfer to Arsenal linked to shooting, blackmail claims](https://www.tuko.co.ke/sports/football/599571-viktor-gyokeres-arsenal-transfer-linked-shooting-blackmail-sweden/)
Many believe the new signings could finally steer the Red Devils back to their former glory.
Arsenal, meanwhile, appears to have solved its striking woes with the signing of talisman Victor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon, as they once again chase the elusive Premier League crown after three consecutive second-place finishes.
How are fans preparing for Manchester United vs Arsenal?
In Uganda, Manchester United fans have taken a unique approach to preparing for the highly anticipated clash.
What has now become something of a tradition saw scores of supporters gather in prayer ahead of the Arsenal game.
Videos shared by ESPN UK captured the unusual spectacle, showing a large crowd dressed in Manchester United jerseys.
The atmosphere was solemn, with a band playing the East African anthem in the background, underscoring the seriousness of the moment.
Watch the video below:
Social media reactions
The clip quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions across social media.
= width) 130px, 256px">= width) 130px, 256px" loading="lazy" decoding="async">[Read also
CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars, sports in Kenya, deserve more than lofty presidential bonuses](https://www.tuko.co.ke/sports/football/599365-chan-2024-harambee-stars-sports-kenya-deserve-lofty-presidential-bonuses/)
Here is what social media users had to say:
TON TEE OFFICIAL:
"Man United fans are more serious than their actual players."
Blank:
"In Uganda to be a certified United fan you must hate Arsenal."
Kiweewa Hakim:
"That's the true definition of The pearl of Africa."
ajindeep:
"It’s crazy how how dedicated and loyal the fans are for the prem clubs in Africa, but these prem clubs never go there for any off season friendlies or anything. It’s always America. It’s always of money."
rosewaunited16:
"Now Arsenal fans think this is AI."
MaswankuMuzafaru:
"We are Manchester United Uganda."
estherbirungi:
"My country keeps embarrassing me both home and away."
vo United:
"All of Ugandan supports Manchester United the biggest team in the whole world."
Kimberly:
"Ugandan Man U fans are on another level with their passion and energy for the new season can't wait to see what they bring next."
Edwin Masereka:
"It pains that Ugandans we love Premier league teams more than we love our own teams... but to our dissatisfaction we have not had any Ugandan play in Premier league. @Manchester United we will love you regardless."
Source: TUKO.co.ke