Manchester United and Arsenal go to war again in a huge Premier League clash at Old Trafford this afternoon.
It could be a tale of two strikers today with Viktor Gyokeres making his league debut following his summer arrival from Sporting CP.
Benjamin Sesko became a United player last week with hope he, along with fellow arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, can help erase the memory of last season’s horrific campaign.
He is starts among the subs but will surely make an appearance off the bench later on.
At one point this summer, Sesko was Arsenal’s leading target while United were huge admirers of Gyokeres, thought to have been turned down by the striker.
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Both sides will be hoping the one that got away won’t come back to haunt them as they seek to get the new season off to a perfect start.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
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August 17, 2025 4:08 pm
Mason Mount as false 9?
Tony Mogan
It’s a role he took up in United’s final pre-season game against Fiorentina – with Benjamin Sesko on the bench, we could see it again today.
Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
August 17, 2025 4:02 pm
Full-time at Stamford Bridge
Tony Mogan
Chelsea have been held to a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge – pretty uninspiring stuff from the Blues.
August 17, 2025 3:56 pm
Hojlund left out of Man Utd squad
Tony Mogan
Even with Benjamin Sesko not deemed quite sharp enough to start today, there is still no room for Rasmus Hojlund who has been left out of the squad completely today.
It is looking bleak for the Dane – clubs in Italy are eager to sign him and while he has been desperate to stay in Manchester and prove his worth, today’s latest snub could mark the end.
Manchester United v Athletic Club - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg
(Picture: Getty)
August 17, 2025 3:47 pm
Sesko vs Gyokeres – who will reign supreme?
Tony Mogan
It’s been the summer of strikers and two of the Premier League’s new main protagonists are ready to make their mark today.
This week, Metro took a deep dive into the making of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike. Have a read as we count down to kick-off.
August 17, 2025 3:36 pm
Elsewhere today
Tony Mogan
Chelsea are still looking for a breakthrough against Crystal Palace – their game is still goalless with just over 15 minutes left on the clock.
Forest meanwhile are absolutely cruising against Brentford – they have been 3-0 up since half-time.
August 17, 2025 3:28 pm
Zubimendi starts in midfield
Tony Mogan
What is likely to be Arsenal’s new first-choice midfield is in place ahead of kick-off and it certainly looks promising on paper. Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard boasts a bit of poise, creativity and power that could do some real damage.
Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
August 17, 2025 3:25 pm
United’s new look attack (almost) in place
Tony Mogan
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both start this afternoon but having only joined up with his new teammates in training on Wednesday, Benjamin Sesko settles for a spot on the bench.
It looks like Cunha will be taking up the most advanced role today although Mason Mount could also feature there, as he did in the final pre-season game against Fiorentina.
Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
August 17, 2025 3:19 pm
Arsenal team to face Man Utd
Tony Mogan
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Martinelli; Gyökeres.
Subs: Kepa, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Madueke, Havertz
August 17, 2025 3:18 pm
Man Utd team to face Arsenal
Tony Mogan
Bayindir, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Dalot, Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha
Subs: Subs: Heaton, Fredricson, Heaven, Maguire, Mainoo, Ugarte, Amad, Sesko, Zirkzee
August 17, 2025 3:17 pm
Sesko on the bench for United, Gyokeres starts
Tony Mogan
United’s new leading man settles for a spot among the subs.
August 17, 2025 3:07 pm
How Man Utd could line up today
Tony Mogan
While Ruben Amorim suggested this week Andre Onana would be available, reports ahead of kick-off suggest the Cameroon international will not be in the starting XI this afternoon.
August 17, 2025 3:04 pm
How Arsenal could line up today
Tony Mogan
With the exception of Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal are injury-free again and have all of their new signings ready to make their competitive debuts.
Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres could come straight into the side today.
August 17, 2025 3:01 pm
Man Utd vs Arsenal TV channel and stream
Tony Mogan
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
Of course,
August 17, 2025 2:58 pm
Man Utd vs Arsenal kickoff-time
Tony Mogan
United vs Arsenal takes centre stage this afternoon with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm.
August 17, 2025 2:57 pm
Good afternoon!
Tony Mogan
While no longer tearing strips off each other in the title race, there is still something special about Manchester United vs Arsenal.
Battles from an almost bygone era defined the Premier League for so many years and having fallen on the opening weekend of the new season, this latest edition will already hold huge significance.
Stick around, all your team news is on the way.
MORE: What does Viktor Gyokeres’ goal celebration mean? Story behind Arsenal star’s ‘mask’
MORE: Why Eberechi Eze goal for Crystal Palace against Chelsea was disallowed
MORE: Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund makes transfer decision after being left out of Arsenal clash