Silvestre backs Man Utd to beat Arsenal and a new signing to score

Four-time Premier League winner Mikael Silvestre speaks exclusively to Ladbrokes ahead of Manchester United's blockbuster 2025/26 season opener against Arsenal, as he backs a Red Devils victory and a debutant to get on the scoresheet before picking his combined XI between the two sides.

I think Man United will win this 2-1 on Sunday, with a goal for Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes, who has been so important for the club in recent years.

Silvestre: "I think it's going to be a competitive game and I'd expect it to be tight - the first thing you want to do in a fixture like this is secure at least a point, you know; getting points on the board is key. It's a very good test for both sides, and feels like a Community Shield tie from back in the day!

"But if we look at last season's fixtures between the two teams, it was high intensity and good quality football from both sides. This time it's a bit different, though, because both teams have new players and it looks like a lot of them - the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo - will all start.

"It's important that Manchester United get off to a good start in front of that home crowd, particularly because of how last season finished for the team. The supporters will be excited to see the new players and how they fit into the team... for everyone, it's a fresh start, and it's a huge advantage that this is at Old Trafford. Hopefully the team will be able to capitalise and give the fans something to cheer.

"And I think they will. I think Man United will win this 2-1 on Sunday, with a goal for Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes, who has been so important for the club in recent years."

• GK: David Raya (Arsenal)

• RB: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)

• CB: William Saliba (Arsenal)

• CB: Leny Yoro (Manchester United)

• LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

• DM: Casemiro (Manchester United)

• CM: Declan Rice (Arsenal)

• CM: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

• RW: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

• ST: Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)

• LW: Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)

I'd say any form of European football qualification, by any means, would be considered a successful season.

Silvestre: "As for my expectations of the club this season, they need to be qualifying for Europe. The Champions League isn't necessarily the target, but European football of any kind definitely is. 

"Of course, everyone will always talk about the Champions League, but I just think that given the lack of consistency last season, I'm sceptical about their chances on that front. I'd say any form of European football qualification, by any means, would be considered a successful season.

As for where they finish in the table, I'd say maybe sixth or seventh? I don't see them in the top four or five. It's crazy saying that, to be honest. It just sounds so unfamiliar when we're talking about Manchester United, but that's the position the club is in right now, unfortunately. 

"You know, you've got to be realistic about what the team has been achieving in recent years. OK, there are new players in place now, and a completely new dynamic.

"But in terms of dominating other teams and getting consistency, there are still a lot of question marks, in my opinion. That's my analysis as an outsider, anyway.

"Once we've seen a few games, after a month or two, maybe we'll have a different vision and understanding of expectations. But, for now, this is how I see things going."

Amorim will go into this season under the same amount of pressure as every other manager; it's a fresh start.

Silvestre: "I don't think [Ruben] Amorim is under any more pressure than any other manager in the Premier League, to be honest. I think they're all under pressure, it's just that he's at Manchester United, and they've now spent a lot of money. It's the size of the club, coupled with the interest from the media which makes it feel like there's more pressure there.

"There might be some pressure from the owners this season, but I would say that's the same with every other club. Amorim will go into this season under the same amount of pressure as every other manager; it's a fresh start.

"But, if you start losing three games in a row, and find yourself in that kind of form, that's when the crisis will start. That's when there's real pressure. 

"But, for now, everyone is on zero points, they should all be treated the same and everyone will be judged against their objectives for the season. For me, it's all positive right now. 

"I think it was clear, you know, when he came in, that he didn't necessarily want to take the job during the middle of a campaign. He took the job knowing there were assurances there that he's still be around for the next season, and that's where we are now.

"He's had a lot of time to get his current squad working towards the system he wants to implement, and now he's been able to add players who he thinks will suit that system, and try to get rid of the ones who he doesn't think will collaborate with him."

Ahead of the new Premier League season, check out our correct score and goals predictions for Man United vs Arsenal and Ladbrokes' experts predictions for the campaign.

You can also check out the best opening day matches of all time, as well as the best accumulator tips for a number of the weekend's key fixtures in our football news section.

All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest football odds.