Manchester United vs Arsenal: Preview, Team News, Predicted Line-ups, Time and Where to Watch
One of the Premier League's fiercest rivalries takes centre stage on the opening weekend as Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Match Preview and Team News
Following a disastrous 2024-25 campaign that saw them slump to 15th place, their lowest Premier League finish ever, United are desperate for a fresh start.
Manager Ruben Amorim, still backed by the board, has overseen a near £200 million revamp of the attack, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. A strong start is crucial for Amorim, but United face a daunting opening run of fixtures.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
Meanwhile, Arsenal, after three consecutive second-place finishes, are eager to finally clinch the Premier League title.
The arrival of striker Viktor Gyokeres addresses their perceived weakness up front. A statement victory at Old Trafford would be the perfect start to their 100th consecutive top-flight season and their fourth straight opening-weekend win.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Last season's three meetings between these giants were evenly split (one win each and a draw). The draw came at Old Trafford, where United have lost just two of their last 18 home league matches against Arsenal. However, Arsenal have scored in their last 11 visits to the Theatre of Dreams.
Key Stats and Streaks
Manchester United have won their opening Premier League fixture more times than any other club (22). This is the ninth consecutive season United have started at home, an all-time English top-flight record.
Arsenal kept just one clean sheet in their final seven matches of last season. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 away league games.
Players to Watch
United captain Bruno Fernandes scored in two of the three meetings with Arsenal last season, including a free-kick in this fixture.
Gyokeres will aim to become only the third player to score against United at Old Trafford on his Premier League debut, and the first since 1997.
Injury Report
Lisandro MartÃnez and Noussair Mazraoui remain sidelined for Manchester United. Andre Onana is expected to be fit despite missing pre-season. Leandro Trossard is Arsenal's only injury concern.
Time and Where to Watch Man United vs Arsenal
The match will kick off at 6.30pm East African time and will be live on SuperSport TV.
Man United vs Arsenal Predicted Line-ups
Man United: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Dorgu, Fernandes, Ugarte; Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres