Manchester United are going to face Arsenal this Sunday as both fanbases can’t wait any longer for the age-old rivalry. The new season of the English Premier League has finally begun today. In the first match of the 2025-26 EPL season, the defending champions Liverpool earned a hard-fought victory over Bournemouth. But the whole world is eagerly waiting for the big clash between Manchester United and Arsenal on the 17th August. Both these English clubs have a season to prove. Arsenal want to finally clinch the elusive EPL title, while Manchester United are determined to finish in a UEFA Champions League spot. But everyone was shocked when the EPL calendar announced that these two clubs would lock horns in their very first match. Let’s have a detailed preview before the 224th edition of this legendary rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal.
Manchester United Share Bittersweet History with Arsenal
Both Manchester United and Arsenal are the big names in the EPL. Although the Red Devils have a much better legacy than the Gunners, Arsenal also have some unique records in their history book. Manchester United and Arsenal have collided 223 times before the upcoming clash in the English Premier League. Manchester United hold a slightly better record here. They have beaten the North London club 95 times. Whereas, Arsenal have defeated the Red Devils 80 times. The match was drawn 48 times. In terms of goal scoring, the Red Devils have netted 353 goals and the Gunners have scored 324 times against each other. In the last decade, Manchester United fans used to get more pumped up while facing Arsenal than their neighbours, Manchester City. Both these clubs were in their prime under two legendary coaches, Sir Alex Ferguson and Mr. Arsene Wenger, respectively. It used to be a tactical clash between these two masterminds. While Manchester United did the three-peat of the EPL under Sir Alex, Arsenal made history by winning the title without losing a single match in 2004. But after the end of that era, both these teams have failed to live up to the expectations. Liverpool and Manchester City are now dominating this decade in England. But, fans feel that finally their favourite clubs will make a much-needed comeback this season.
Manchester United Are More Than Ready for the Big Clash
Manchester United had their worst season in years in the last edition of the 2025-26 season. The club went through a lot of changes. The management sacked their Dutch coach Erik Ten Hag during mid-season and appointed Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon. Ruben Amorim immediately made an impact by winning his first Manchester Derby. He also defeated mighty Liverpool last season. But still, the record 20-time Premier League winners finished 15th last season. Amorim’s team had their last chance to save the season but they lost to Spurs in the UEFA Europa League final. During the interaction with the fans, Amorim famously said that the storm was coming. For this season, fans are surprisingly pretty excited about this new Manchester United team. They have not thought twice while spending money on the important inclusions. Ruben Amorim now has a brand new front three in his hand. The trio of Cunha, Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko will determine the season of Manchester United. Other than this, the club has signed exciting prodigies like Ayden Heaven and Leon. The rest of the players also don’t carry any injuries. With this new team, Manchester United will hope to turn things around this season, starting against Arsenal.
Arsenal Have Only One Mantra in Their Mind
The situation is a bit more challenging in the Arsenal camp. Under their Spanish coach, Mikel Arteta, the club has yet to win a major trophy. There is no doubt in the depth of the squad but only trophies matter at the end of the day. Arsenal want to make no mistake this time in winning the title this season. Arteta’s Arsenal have been finishing second in the league for the third time in a row. Arteta knows that he has to give results. The fans also feel that Arsenal have their best chances of winning the league this season. The crisis of a genuine box striker has hurt this Arsenal team a lot in the past years. This time, they have signed Amorim’s former disciple, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. The club has also added significant depth in the midfield. Other than the Reds, Arsenal are the only team to spend more than 200 million in this single transfer window. In their very first match, Arsenal will face bitter rivals Manchester United this Sunday. This match will surely test Arsenal’s depth and temperament.
From the Author’s End: It’s 50-50 for Both Arsenal and Manchester United
As mentioned earlier, Manchester United and Arsenal will face each other and resume the rivalry on 17th August. It is to see whether Manchester United win the clash in their home ground or Arsenal turn the theatres of dreams into ‘the chambers of horrors’ for the host.
Stay tuned for more news.
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