Manchester United and Arsenal locked horns on the opening day of the Premier League as the Gunners claimed a crucial three points, but Mikel Arteta's team were second best
18:32, 17 Aug 2025Updated 18:35, 17 Aug 2025
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game
Manchester United and Arsenal kicked off their Premier League seasons with one of the most anticipated clashes on the footballing calendar.
And the game did not disappoint as the exciting end-to-end action gave both fans hope of a successful season.
Despite a promising start from United, Arsenal took the lead after 12 minutes when Riccardo Calafiori headed in from point-blank range after a dreadful attempt from Altay Bayindir to clear a corner.
United reacted well and dominated the second-half as Arsenal held on to win 1-0 and claim a crucial three points despite being comfortably second best.
Here, the Daily Star Sport gives you the player ratings from both teams.
Man Utd (3-4-2-1)
Altay Bayinidr 1: Was at fault for Arsenal’s opener, flapping haplessly at a corner under pressure from William Saliba. United must get rid and sign a new goalkeeper.
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Leny Yoro 6: Followed up a good season with a solid display. Big season ahead.
Matthijs de Ligt 7: Physically imposing over Gyokeres and handled the Swede well.
Luke Shaw 6: His United future relies on making that left centre-back spot his own and he was fine if not inspiring.
Diogo Dalot 6: Started as a more defensive option at wing-back but was substituted for more Amad Diallo on 55 minutes after a solid display.
Casemiro 7: Won his duels in midfield and was progressive in possession. Another performance to show he’s not done yet.
Bruno Fernandes 8: With Mbeumo and Cunha, the Portuguese actually has some attacking team-mates to play off. Kept the attacks ticking from a deeper role and was crucial in defensive transitions.
Patrick Dorgu 7: Direct in attack and hit the post in the first-half. However was untidy in possession. Unconventional on the ball.
Bryan Mbeumo 8: Forced Raya into the best save of the match with a header. Exciting spark and looked worth every penny of the £71million fee.
Matheus Cunha 8: Some incredibly deft touches to set United away on occasions, didn’t see a major sight of goal but United have signed a gem.
Mason Mount 7: A decent showing in his first appearance of a pivotal season in his career. Dropped short in nice interchanges with Fernandes.
Subs:
Amad Diallo (for Diogo Dalot on 55) 8: Looks set to strike up a brilliant partnership with Mbeumo on the left, added that spark to the side that has become customary.
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro on 64) 5: Sat in the midfield and recycled possession well, until getting Harry Maguire booked with a loose pass.
Benjamin Sesko (for Mason Mount on 64) 5: Didn’t get a significant sniff but was a target to play off. More to come.
Harry Maguire (for Luke Shaw on 79) 5: Booked seconds after coming on, but was the right thing to do after Ugarte gave possession away.
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya 9: Strong punch under pressure from De Ligt showed how a goalkeeper should handle a set-piece. Produced a smart save to deny Mbeumo's header.
Ben White 7: Defended well but was swiftly substituted off with a knock after being spun by Cunha.
William Saliba 7: Escaped an early yellow card for a wild swing at Dorgu. His pace was vital in closing down chances for Cunha and Mbeumo.
Gabriel 7: Handled Sesko's physicality well in late stages.
Riccardo Calafiori 8: Headed in the easiest goal he’ll ever scored in the first-half.
Martin Odegaard 7: Productive in the first-half but incredibly quiet in the second with United dominating the ball.
Martin Zubimendi 7: Possibly the final cog in Arteta's midfield. Barely recognised, but the sign of a decent showing.
Declan Rice 6: His testing corner created the opening goal and put a shift in for the team. Won’t take personal headlines for his performance.
Bukayo Saka 4: Afford nothing. A frustrating afternoon.
Viktor Gyokeres 5: A bullish performance up against De Ligt, though he lacked any meaningful touches and was clumsy in possession on his long-awaited debut.
Gabriel Martinelli 4: Wasn’t testing or dangerous. Arsenal need to sign a replacement for him if they want to win the league.
Subs:
Kai Havertz (for Viktor Gyokeres on 60) 5: Very little to play off with Arsenal on the back foot and dominated by De Ligt and Maguire.
Noni Madueke (for Gabriel Martinelli on 60) 5: Didn’t have a proper touch on a debut where he was running backwards rather than forwards.
Myles Lewis Skelly (for Riccardo Calafiori on 71) 5: Brought to match and attempt to nullify Amad’s energy, did okay. Almost cost Arsenal at the end, having to pick up a yellow card to stop a counter-attack after a loose touch.
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Jurrien Timber (for Ben White on 71) 7: Powerful in defence and in possession, took to the game immediately positively.
Mikel Merino (for Declan Rice on 82) N/A: Introduced late and lacked a meaningful involvement