Arsenal vs Manchester United headlines the opening weekend of the Premier League 2025-26 season at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim facing some major selection calls.

All eyes will be on Benjamin Sesko, who could make his Manchester United debut just days after sealing a high-profile move from RB Leipzig worth up to £73.7m.

The 22-year-old striker trained with his new teammates for the first time last week, and Amorim confirmed he is fit and ready.

While Sesko’s sharpness over 90 minutes remains uncertain — given his last outing was a late cameo in Leipzig’s pre-season win over Toulouse — his physical condition has impressed the coaching staff.

If he does not start, Mason Mount could take the role of false nine, supported by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Injury news and player availability in Arsenal vs Manchester United

United will be without Noussair Mazraoui due to a hamstring problem, while Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

On the positive side, both Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee are back in full training after missing pre-season, giving Amorim more options between the posts and in attack.

For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will look to balance fitness management with his strongest possible XI, especially given their ambitions to finally break the cycle of second-place finishes.

Injury updates on key players such as Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard could influence the Gunners’ attacking setup significantly.

Tactical outlook: How Arsenal vs Manchester United could unfold

Amorim is expected to line up with a back three of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro, supported by Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu in the wing-back roles.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes may form a deeper midfield pivot, although Amorim has expressed his desire to push his captain closer to the goal whenever possible.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are likely to lean on Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz for attacking dynamism, while Arteta may use Viktor Gyokeres’ physical presence up front to test United’s defensive trio.

The midfield battle between Casemiro–Fernandes and Arsenal’s creative core could well decide the outcome.

Predicted lineup for Arsenal vs Manchester United

Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha
Injured: Mazraoui, Martinez
Doubts: Onana, Zirkzee

Match details

• Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
• Kick-off: 4:30pm BST
• Venue: Old Trafford
• How to watch: Sky Sports