Match Preview Manchester United vs Arsenal United Premier League Game Week 1

Explore Ladbrokes game week one detailed match preview for Manchester United vs Arsenal in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and line-ups for the 16:30 BST kick-off from Old Trafford.

Fixture: Manchester United vs Arsenal

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025

Kick-off: 16:30 BST

Venue: Old Trafford

Manchester United enter the 2025/26 Premier League season with a rebuilt squad under Rúben Amorim, featuring new signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško to boost their attack. Their pre-season showed promise with wins over West Ham (2-1), Bournemouth (4-1), Fiorentina (1-1, won on penalties), and a draw with Everton (2-2). Arsenal, after a strong 2024/25 (2nd place), had an impressive pre-season with wins over AC Milan, Newcastle and Athletic Club. New signing Noni Madueke adds wing depth, but the lack of a new striker may limit their options.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United’s attacking reinforcements and home advantage could challenge Arsenal’s defensive solidity (35 goals conceded in 2024/25). Arsenal’s creativity from Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka will test United’s defence, but United’s momentum from pre-season suggests a narrow win in a potential high-scoring thriller.

Match Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal

Manchester United’s pre-season was competitive, with wins over West Ham (2-1), Bournemouth (4-1), and Fiorentina (1-1, won on penalties), and a draw with Everton (2-2), though a loss to Blackburn (1-0) exposed defensive issues. New signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško impressed, with Rasmus Højlund and Bruno Fernandes also in form. Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation will aim to dominate midfield at Old Trafford and exploit Arsenal’s backline.

Recent Pre-Season Results:

• Win: 1-1 (5-4 pens) vs Fiorentina (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Everton (N)

• Win: 4-1 vs Bournemouth (N)

• Win: 2-1 vs West Ham (N)

Arsenal’s pre-season was strong, with wins over Leyton Orient (2-0), Bournemouth (2-1), Bayer Leverkusen (4-1), and Sevilla (3-0), and a draw with Lyon (2-2, won on penalties). Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli shone, with Noni Madueke integrating well. Mikel Arteta’s side will rely on defensive resilience (35 goals conceded in 2024/25) and midfield control to counter United’s attack, but the absence of a new striker may limit their goal threat.

Recent Pre-Season Results:

• Win: 3-0 vs Athletic Club (H)

• Loss: 2-3 vs Villarreal (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)

• Win: 3-2 vs Newcastle (N)

• Win: 1-0 vs AC Milan (N)

Historically, the head-to-head record between Manchester United and Arsenal has been closely contested, with recent matches resulting in draws and narrow victories for both sides. Arsenal have had the upper hand in the last few encounters, winning two out of the last five matches, while Manchester United have struggled to secure a victory against the Gunners.

Recent Premier League Results

• Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal (09 Mar 2025)

• Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (12 Jan 2025)

• Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United (04 Dec 2024)

• Arsenal 5-5 Manchester United (28 Jul 2024)

• Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal (12 May 2024)

• No major injuries reported for the season opener.

• No major injuries reported for the season opener.

• Line-up: Onana, de Ligt, Martínez, Yoro, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Shaw, Mbeumo, Diallo, Šeško

  Manchester United’s predicted line-up under Rúben Amorim integrates new signings Manuel Ugarte and Bryan Mbeumo, with Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez anchoring the back three. Bruno Fernandes provides creativity.

• Line-up: Raya, White, Saliba, Magalhães, Zinchenko, Rice, Ødegaard, Merino, Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli

  Arsenal’s predicted line-up under Mikel Arteta emphasises defensive solidity with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, while Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard control midfield. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli provide wing pace, supporting Kai Havertz up top in a balanced setup.

• Bruno Fernandes vs Declan Rice: Fernandes’ creativity meets Rice’s defensive tenacity in a pivotal midfield duel.

• Amad Diallo vs Ben White: Diallo’s dribbling and pace test White’s positioning.

• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): His playmaking and goal threat are vital for United’s success.

• Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal): His vision and passing could unlock United’s defence.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.