The headline act of the Premier League’s blockbuster opening weekend sees Arsenal – Man Utd collide at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Both giants of English football are eager to take their first step toward restoring past glories.

Manchester United enter this contest desperate to erase the memories of a dismal 2024-25 campaign that ended with a 15th-place finish.

facts ahead of Arsenal – Man Utd

Meanwhile, Arsenal have grown weary of near-misses, having settled for second place in the table three seasons in a row.

United boast an impressive record on matchday one of the Premier League, with 22 opening-day victories — more than any other club.

They also have the chance to make history by becoming the first team to record 100 wins against Arsenal across all competitions.

Arsenal, though, come into the clash in strong spirits after a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup, where Viktor Gyokeres netted his first goal for the club.

The Gunners will be aiming to extend their run of scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League matches at Old Trafford.

Tactical expectations and prediction for Arsenal – Man Utd

Ruben Amorim faces key decisions for his first full season as United’s head coach. All eyes will be on Benjamin Sesko, who is set to make his Premier League debut following a big-money move from RB Leipzig.

He could partner Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in a new-look front line, which might see captain Bruno Fernandes deployed in a deeper role.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have found attacking balance with the trio of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gyokeres.

New signing Martin Zubimendi has already shown promising chemistry with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield, giving Mikel Arteta confidence that his side can finally mount a successful title charge.

Given United’s recent struggles to string together consistent results and Arsenal’s stability in pre-season, the Gunners appear better prepared to take the initiative in this heavyweight showdown.

Prediction: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

Team news and possible lineups for Arsenal – Man Utd

Manchester United’s squad news presents a mixed picture. Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee have both returned to training and are available for selection.

However, Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) will miss out.

For Arsenal, Arteta is optimistic about Leandro Trossard’s recovery from a groin issue, while long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with an ACL injury.

Possible Man United XI: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Both managers are under pressure to deliver results from the outset, and the Arsenal – Man Utd encounter promises a high-stakes tactical battle that could set the tone for the season.