Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0 to open their latest Premier League title challenge with a hard-fought three points at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir's blunder handed Arsenal victory and undid a positive Manchester United performance in Sunday's pulsating Premier League encounter.
United looked far better than the side that finished 15th last season - their worst top-flight campaign since 1974 - yet Ruben Amorim's side fell to a 1-0 defeat as Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on Bayindir's early flap.
The back-up goalkeeper was outmuscled by William Saliba as he attempted to deal with a Declan Rice corner, tipping it on for the defender to nod into an empty net and silence Old Trafford after a bright start.
Bayindir's error underlined concerns over the goalkeeping position at Old Trafford, where often unconvincing number one Andre Onana was absent as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.
United are a work in progress but summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looked sharp on their debuts, with Patrick Dorgu hitting a post with a lasered first-half effort. Arsenal keeper David Raya produced a string of important stops to keep the hosts at bay, with his man of the match of the display helping Arteta's side to victory.
Relive all the action from Manchester United vs Arsenal below:
Manchester United vs Arsenal LIVE
- FULL TIME! Arsenal hold on to claim hard-fought 1-0 win at Manchester United
- 38' SAVE! David Raya twice denies Cunha to keep Arsenal ahead [MUN 0-1 ARS]
- 13' GOAL! Arsenal corner nodded over the line by Riccardo Calafiori [MUN 0-1 ARS]
- Benjamin Sekso on for debut after Viktor Gyokeres replaced by Kai Havertz
Manchester United FC 0 - 1 Arsenal FC
Man United had an obvious weakness against Arsenal and what happened was inevitable
19:51 , Richard JollyUnless Manchester United can defend a corner, they will not turn one. Until Ruben Amorim’s big decisions succeed, the verdicts on his reign may be unflattering. A new season brought an improved United in various respects, but a third win at Old Trafford for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. A club who once clinched a Premier League title on United turf can hope the road to another began with the same scoreline and at the same venue. “A big, big result,” said Arteta.
But Arsenal were given a helping hand by Altay Bayindir and, indirectly, Amorim. The Turkey international’s lame punch allowed Riccardo Calafiori to head in from a yard; if Viktor Gyokeres, the debutant striker, was supposed to be the final piece in Arteta’s jigsaw, there was something typical of his teams in that the goal came from the left-back.
The manner of the goal was familiar for both clubs. The Arsenal fans’ first chorus of the season of “Set-piece FC” came after 13 minutes. If the same tag is attached to United, it would a criticism.
Man United had an obvious weakness against Arsenal and what happened was inevitable
Ruben Amorim 'proud' of Manchester United performance
19:32 , Jamie BraidwoodRuben Amorim said he was “proud” with how his Manchester United players competed against Arsenal and said they played better than their opponents at Old Trafford.
"It was really hard because I think we showed that we were the better team today. We played better than Arsenal,” he told BBC 5 Live.
"A strange goal, but then we tried everything to score a goal. We have small things that will make a difference in the future. The defence felt a different team and that is a good thing, but we need to win games.
"I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt.
"Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that."
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal's 'massive win' at Old Trafford
19:18 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal manager Mikel Arteta on his side’s 1-0 win at Manchester United to start the new Premier League season.
"Massive win,” he told Sky Sports. “To go in the first fixture at Old Trafford with that atmosphere, the way they are building momentum, with new signings and excitement around it, it's a great feeling, and then we have to be really humble about the way we did it.”
Bruno Fernandes on the 'sign of hope' for Man United
19:08 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes tells Sky Sports that what he saw at the end of the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal gave him a “sign of hope” ahead of the rest of the season.
“It's the first game of the season so we cannot speak about a step forwards,” he said. “We conceded a goal from a set piece early on but from then on Arsenal didn't create any chances. We created lots of chances and didn't score so we have to do better next time. We controlled the game well, we were good on the ball.
"We have a big hope for what we want to do and what we want to achieve. There are positive things to look at like scoring goals. I really liked the reaction of the fans at the end. I really appreciate what they did. That was more a sign of hope than what we did during the game."
David Raya on Arsenal's hard-fought win at Old Trafford
18:57 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal goalkeeper, and player of the match, David Raya says the Gunners showed fight to get through an off-day as they defeated Manchester United 1-0.
“The quality wasn't there. We weren't on our best day with the ball. Defensively we weren't at our best, so that was a hard fight,” he told Sky Sports.
“We got our goal in the first half with a corner and from there we just fought until the end. Credit to the boys for getting the clean sheet.
“We know we could have lost the game but football is like this. Days like this is when the three points count.”
1-0 to the Arsenal...
18:46 , Jamie BraidwoodAccording to Opta, 1-0 - all six of Arsenal’s away wins against Manchester United in the Premier League have been 1-0 victories. including their last three under Mikel Arteta.
1-0 - All six of Arsenal’s away wins against Manchester United in the Premier League have been 1-0 victories; the most away wins one side has over another in the competition with 100% coming by the same scoreline. Gritty. pic.twitter.com/Bi4LSyJnJy
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 17, 2025
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:37 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United had more possession, shots, shots on targets, touches in the opposition box and expected goals than Arsenal today.
When it came to shots today, United led 22-9!
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:30 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother home defeat for Manchester United. They lost nine at Old Trafford last season, and start the new season with another loss.
But there were some bright signs - with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo having moments - and the home players were applauded off too.
David Raya is named player of the match - which tells it’s own story.
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:29 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Arsenal players head to the sun-soaked away end and enjoy the reception they are receiving. Mikel Arteta’s side showed guts and resilience today, qualities they will need in abundance if they are to win the Premier League this season. They have showed it in spells over the last three years, but can they go for 38 games this year?
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:26 , Richard JollyA hard-fought win for Arsenal. Not an entirely convincing one, either, but they can thank both goalkeepers, in different ways: David Raya for his saves, Altay Bayindir for his error. United were better than they were in many a match from last season and had plenty of pressure and possession. But, after nine home defeats then, they already have one this season.
FULL TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:25 , Jamie BraidwoodA BIG win for Arsenal to start the season! It wasn’t pretty, but the Gunners held on.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:23 , Jamie Braidwood90+4 mins: United are throwing everything forward and pumping the ball long to try and salvage something here... Timber flicks behind and Fernandes will get a corner to stand over.
It’s aimed at Maguire but Saliba wins it and Raya eventually claims it. That could be that.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:21 , Jamie Braidwood90+2 mins: Lewis-Skelly is almost caught as Arsenal go backwards from the corner! Cunha almost nips in and the youngster accepts the yellow card as he brings him down.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:19 , Jamie Braidwood90+1 mins: Chance! Odegaard lifts a lovely little pass into Saka, whose volley is blocked brilliantly by De Ligt.
Arsenal have the ball in the corner, right where they want it.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:18 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: It’s backs to the wall stuff from Arsenal but Saliba and Gabriel make huge blocks each to prevent shots at goal! Saliba in particular does very well to step across Cunha and stop him from shooting at goal.
Sesko then heads a Fernandes cross wide.
We will have six added minutes. Not done yet!
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:16 , Jamie Braidwood88 mins: Good hold up play from Sesko but it ends in an ugly shot from distance by Ugarte, which is sliced wide and into the Stretford End.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:13 , Jamie Braidwood84 mins: Timber wins a hard-fought duel to come away with the ball before he is brought down by Patrick Dorgu, who is booked. David Raya is then booked too for time-wasting.
Well, the second half hasn’t been the all-action contest of the first but will we get a memorable moment to finish with? As it stands, this will be an important first win of the season for Arsenal.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:11 , Jamie Braidwood81 mins: Every time Declan Rice stands over a free-kick there’s going to be flashbacks of Real Madrid. This time his effort around the wall is deflected and goes into the side-netting.
It’s Rice’s last involvement and he is replaced by Mikel Merino.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:08 , Jamie Braidwood78 mins: Amad went down appealing for a penalty, with Lewis-Skelly there but not deemed to have made enough contact.
On comes Harry Maguire for Luke Shaw. He’ll be going on in defence but don’t rule out a shift up front if United are still trailing in the 90th minute.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:07 , Jamie Braidwood77 mins: Amad manages to evade Madueke to get into the box but his low shot dribbles into the hands of Raya.
Then, a minute later, Madueke is beaten by Amad again. This time is almost breaks to Sesko and then Mbeumo - but Arsenal scramble it away.
The United threat is rising and Arsenal look a bit more desperate now than five minutes ago...
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:03 , Richard Jolly74 min: Mbeumo has been United's best player today and arguably merits a goal today. But for a terrific save from David Raya - his former Brentford teammate - he would have had one. But it is shaping up as an excellent debut from the Cameroon international.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
18:02 , Jamie Braidwood73 mins: Raya strengthens his case for player of the match with another great save! Mbeumo makes a great leap in the box and does well to direct the header downwards. Raya though scrambles across to palm it away.
Sesko then had a sight at goal, also from a header, but this was tougher and he can’t direct it on target.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:59 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins: Cunha had a reputation for being a feisty character at Wolves and clearly does not think White is injured as he receives some treatment - Odegaard steps in to tell the Brazilian to go away.
White and Calafiori are replaced by Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly, so a swap at full-back.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:57 , Jamie Braidwood68 mins: Brilliant from Cunha to turn away from White and drive forward! He finds Mbeumo, who can’t find space in the box to make the shot. United keep it forward, though, and Mbeumo then goes close with the overhead! But Raya watches it drift wide.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:54 , Jamie Braidwood65 mins: And here comes Sesko to a rapturous applause. United needs goals, and they’d settle for just one right now. Amorim has his three new forwards - Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo - all on the pitch.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:52 , Jamie Braidwood63 mins: Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte look set to be the next United changes.
Rice’s shot is blocked by Yoro.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:48 , Richard Jolly60 mins: Off goes Viktor Gyokeres so at least Amorim was not harmed by his past. Of the three attackers to debut from the start today, the Swede has been quieter than United's Cunha and Mbeumo. But there were a couple of glimpses of what he can do and how Arsenal are looking to find him running behind defences.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:48 , Jamie Braidwood59 mins: Saka runs down a dead-end but the ball breaks for Rice to have a pop: it ends up in the stands.
Time for some Arsenal changes: Gyokeres’ debut is up, he is replaced by Kai Havertz while Noni Madueke replaces Gabriel Martinelli.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:45 , Jamie Braidwood55 mins: Gabriel steps across brilliantly just as Mbeumo looked to be reaching Fernandes’ pass forwards. Then Saliba does the same to close down Cunha on the wing, until Cunha draws the foul by protecting the ball. That’s raised the noise inside Old Trafford.
Raya does really well to punch away Fernandes’ wicked inswinging free-kick.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:43 , Richard Jolly54 mins: Amad comes on for Diogo Dalot, a change that highlights one of the issues with Amorim's obsession with wing-backs. Neither really is one: Amad is a winger, Dalot a full-back. A goal down, United need a winger more.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:41 , Jamie Braidwood52 mins: Odegaard with a lovely first-time pass through to Gyokeres - who has De Ligt where he wants him as he advances into the box. But then the ball gets stuck under his feet and the big striker is dispossessed as he stumbles. Not his finest moment.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:38 , Jamie Braidwood50 mins: United have yet to find the same buzz and zip they came out with in the first half. It’s been a slower opening five minutes.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:36 , Jamie Braidwood47 mins: I’m sure Arteta told his players to take greater care of the ball in this second half - the Gunners were uncharacteristically sloppy at times in the opener.
Zubimendi breaks up play well to challenge Dorgu before clearing.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:33 , Jamie BraidwoodNo changes at the break but Manchester United have Benjamin Sesko watching on.
Back underway!
HALF TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:27 , Jamie BraidwoodInteresting to hear Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard speaking to Sky Sports at half-time!
"Man Utd have quality. They have really good players in attack. We let them play too easily through us at times,” he says in the tunnel.
"But there's space too and we just need to be a bit more accurate when we counter. We had some good chances to score more."
HALF TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:24 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal lead at the break - and scored from their first corner of the season! Altay Bayindir has struggled from set-pieces in the past, so not a surprise to see Declan Rice target him.
“Weak and soft” bemoans Roy Keane.
"A magical Arsenal set piece" 🪄
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
Riccardo Calafiori opens the scoring for the Gunners! pic.twitter.com/a1m2uj2cfE
HALF TIME! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:19 , Jamie BraidwoodAn enjoyable half! Arsenal lead thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s header from an inch, which came from Declan Rice’s excellent inswinging corner.
There has a lot of talk about new No 9s before kick-off but the difference so far has been in the goalkeepers. Altay Bayindir was exposed by Rice’s corner while David Raya has twice denied Matheus Cunha, who along with Bryan Mbeumo has been very bright for United.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:17 , Jamie Braidwood44 mins: Another decent attacking spell from United as Cunha and Mount link up in the box. But Arsenal are very happy to drop in deep and defend their box, given the strength of Saliba and Gabriel. Odegaard thumps away.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:13 , Jamie Braidwood41 mins: Calafiori is booked for pulling Mbeumo’s shirt as the forward spun him and darted away. Mbeumo has been a real handful.
SAVE! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:10 , Jamie Braidwood38 mins: Brilliant from David Raya to keep Arsenal in front! Once again the danger comes from one of Mbeumo or Cunha. This time it’s Cunha who wriggles around the outside of Rice and cracks a low shot across goal from a tight angle.
Somehow, Raya gets down excellently and tips it away from the corner. Sublime.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:07 , Jamie Braidwood34 mins: Lovely stuff from Odegaard to skip past Fernandes, step around Casemiro and then crack a shot at goal. It takes a touch off De Ligt on the way through, which takes the pace off and allows Bayindir to collect.
Good game this.
CHANCE! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:05 , Jamie Braidwood32 mins: Should be 1-1! Matheus Cunha somehow breaks through the middle of Saliba and Gabriel, in an outstanding run that started in his own half, but he can’t trouble Raya with the shot! Perhaps the forward was forced a little wide by the recovering Saliba.
Mbeumo then sets up Cunha for a shot from range, but it’s straight at Raya!
OFF THE POST! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
17:02 , Jamie Braidwood29 mins: OOF! What a hit from Patrick Dorgu! United work the switch well and find the wing-back in some space. Saliba is a little slow to get out, so Dorgu tries his luck: the low shot skims and strikes the outside of the post!
Positive signs for United despite trailing Arsenal
17:00 , Richard JollyMbeumo has begun well, looking a threat in the inside-right channel, and both Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have found him with fine passes. The scoreline isn't positive for United but they can at least take some encouragement from the way on of their summer signings is playing.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
16:59 , Jamie Braidwood26 mins: Nice play from Saka to switch the direction of Arsenal’s attack and pick out Martinelli, but his shot is far too tame.
Gyokeres then gets a word from the referee after blocking Bayindir from taking the goal-kick.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
16:57 , Jamie Braidwood24 mins: All of United’s best moments are coming through Mbeumo on the right, as he skips into the space left behind by Calafiori. He cuts inside but sees his shot deflected behind. Cunha tried to create some space for him with his run.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
16:54 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: A loose moment from David Raya as he is closed down by Matheus Cunha in the box! Far too slow from Raya but he manages to clear just in time as Cunha closed him down.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
16:49 , Jamie Braidwood16 mins: United were a little shaken by that Arsenal goal, as they had started well. Fernandes has the chance to aim at goal as United win a free kick on the edge but the Arsenal wall does its job, with Rice getting his face in front of the shot.
Question marks for United and Amorim
16:47 , Richard JollyAmorim's decision leave out Onana, who he suggested in a pre-match interview was fit, has backfired. Altay Bayindir flapped at that corner, but he wasn't fouled. Calafiori has headed Arsenal into the lead. The best moments of Bayindir's United career came against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January. This was one to forget.
GOAL! Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal (CALAFIORI 13')
16:45 , Jamie BraidwoodGOOOOOAL! Set piece FC strike again! Rice’s deliver is perfect and it’s chaos in the United box. Bayındir fails to deal with the inswinger and Calafiori is there to nod over the line!
Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
16:44 , Jamie Braidwood12 mins: United switch off and Calafiori is sharp to win the ball back from Yoro in the United box - Odegaard’s cross is cut out by De Ligt but it leads to an Arsenal corner....
Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins: United have enjoyed more than 70% of the ball so far and it’s Arsenal who are looking to find their feet. Fernandes’ corner from the left is easily collected by Raya.
Arsenal look to spring forward and Saka is released - but Mount recovers well and wins the tackle on the edge of the box. Excellent tracking back.
Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Jamie Braidwood7 mins: Another shot at the Arsenal goal from a buzzy looking Manchester United - this time a bit more hopeful from Patrick Dorgu. It’s well wide.
Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
16:37 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins: A first involvement for Gyokeres - and some pantomime boos from the United fans after he chose Arsenal - as he brushes De Ligt off the ball. United recover to win it back.
Mbeumo is then released down the right with a clever early ball. The forward shoots low but Raya is there to collect at the near post.
Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
16:35 , Jamie Braidwood4 min: A fairly bright start from United, with Cunha playing through the middle and Mount enjoying a free role ahead of Fernandes and Casemiro. Arsenal on the back foot for now.
Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
16:33 , Jamie Braidwood1 mins: Bryan Mbeumo’s first touch is a beauty as he brings down a high ball and skips past Zubimendi - although also catching the midfield with a stray arm. Mbeumo’s ball towards Cunha is then overhit.
KICK-OFF! Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal
16:31 , Jamie BraidwoodApplause leads into a period of immaculate silence at Old Trafford - a lovely tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva to remember a Liverpool forward.
Arsenal head towards their fans in the away end for a quick huddle and we are underway!
Manchester United v Arsenal
16:29 , Richard JollyA major display of flags in the Stretford End from United. A couple of new signings on the pitch. A team that otherwise came 15th last season. Logically this season shouldn't be as bad. Time to find out.
Manchester United v Arsenal
16:28 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go! The first late Sunday afternoon clash of the season will be played under a perfect summer sky at Old Trafford. So many questions around both Manchester United and Arsenal and we will get some early answers today. Kick-off is next, after both teams hold a moment of silence for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
Reminder of team news and how to watch
16:27 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United XI: Bayındir, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Dorgu, Dalot, Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafirori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. A live stream will be available via NOW TV and Sky Go for subscribers as well.
Good omens for Manchester United and Arsenal?
16:25 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United have won their opening match of a Premier League campaign more often than any other side (22). Their 67% win rate on the opening day is the highest of any side in the Premier League to have played in more than one season.
Manchester United have lost just two of their last 18 Premier League home games against Arsenal (winning 10 and drawing six), though both of those defeats have been when Mikel Arteta has been in charge of Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim on Onana and Hojlund absences
16:24 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United boss Ruben Amorim explains why Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund miss out on his squad for today’s opener against Arsenal.
"[On Hojlund] It's an option. We try to chose the best players for every game and next week, it's a different life and this week, we chose these players.
"He [Onana] recovered but the other guys did so well in pre-season, so I need to balance that."
Can Arsenal continue away run at start of new season?
16:15 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League away games, since a 1-0 loss at Newcastle last November.
It’s their longest run without defeat away from home since they went 27 unbeaten between April 2003 and September 2004, however that record run was ended by Manchester United.
Arsenal have also scored in each of their last 11 Premier League away games against Manchester United.
Viktor Gyokeres can bring 'goals and fear factor'
16:14 , Jamie BraidwoodMikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, says new Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres can bring goals and a “fear factor” to the Gunners this season.
"Certainly goals. That is his main quality. He brings a fear factor as well,” Arteta says. “Not only the ability he has to put the ball in the back of the net but the fear he creates in the opposition and the threat they always feel with him."
Rasmus Hojlund left out of Man United squad amid exit speculation
16:10 , Jamie BraidwoodRasmus Hojlund was omitted from the squad for Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal as speculation swirls about his future.
The 22-year-old striker has failed to justify his price tag since joining Atalanta two years ago for £64million plus a potential £8m in add-ons.
Hojlund has been linked with a return to Serie A this summer and was an unused substitute in United’s final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina last weekend.
Welcome to Arsenal’s ‘now or never’ season
16:05 , Miguel DelaneyNow that Arsenal’s attackers have had some games and sessions to work with Viktor Gyokeres, there’s quickly been a realisation. That has been the need to play early passes. It isn’t something their attackers have been too accustomed to, given the team’s preference for control and Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka’s tendency to go inside.
Mikel Arteta insists on smart players, however, and they know to get that timing right.
It might be an apt theme for the season. When Arsenal pressed ahead on Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko, the phrase used by the club was that it was a signing for “the here and now”. In other words, to win now; to finally bring almost five years of work to fruition. The club even have a Premier League trophy silhouette on the wall at the training ground, ready to be filled in, such is the will to finally deliver that trophy for the first time in 22 years.
Arsenal’s ‘now or never’ season is the culmination of the Mikel Arteta era
After Manchester United hit rock bottom, are the good times finally coming?
15:55 , Richard JollyA disastrous season left Ruben Amorim under pressure after just months in the job - but a productive summer gives hope of brighter times ahead.
After hitting rock bottom, are the good times finally coming for Manchester United?
Already a 'six-pointer' for title-chasing Arsenal?
15:45 , Jamie BraidwoodPerhaps a bit of tongue-in-cheek from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, but he believes Arsenal’s Premier League opener at Old Trafford is already a “six-pointer” if the Gunners are to mount a title challenge.
He told Sky Sports: "If Arsenal are talking about winning the league - Liverpool and Man City have already put down markers, scoring four goals. It's already a six-pointer on the opening weekend."
Why Benjamin Sesko starts on the bench in Premier League opener
15:36 , Richard JollyRuben Amorim has avoided immediate comparisons between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko by benching his new striker.
Sesko arrived too late to feature in Manchester United's pre-season games so it isn't a complete shock but it could mean United's season starts with Mason Mount playing as a false nine, unless either Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha leads the line.
There is no Andre Onana in goal, either, so Altay Bayindir is in goal. Arsenal's team is more as expected. The main decisions may have come at full-back with Ben White preferred to Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal team news: Viktor Gyokeres starts
15:23 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal’s new No 9 leads the line as Viktor Gyokeres starts at Old Trafford. It’s as expected elsewhere, apart from maybe at left back as Riccardo Calafiori starts ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Martin Zubimendi makes his Premier League debut alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice in midfield.
Manchester United team news: Benjamin Sesko on the bench
15:22 , Jamie BraidwoodBenjamin Sesko begins on the bench but Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha start in Manchester United’s new-look front line.
Mason Mount joins Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, while Andre Onana is not involved due to injury, so Altay Bayindir starts in goal.
There is no Rasmus Hojlund in the squad.
Manchester United v Arsenal team news
15:16 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United XI: Bayındir, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Dorgu, Dalot, Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo.
🥁 Here it is…
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 17, 2025
Our first #PL starting line-up of 2025/26! 🔴👊
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafirori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
⚪️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 17, 2025
🛡️ Gabriel and Saliba at the back
✨ Odegaard pulling the strings
💥 Gyokeres leads the line
Let’s start the season in style, Gunners ✨
Manchester United v Arsenal team news
15:10 , Jamie BraidwoodWe’ll have the official line-ups in the next few minutes. We’re expecting to see both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres make their first Premier League starts for Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, but what other new faces could feature?
Kick-off time and how to watch
12:45 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen is Man United v Arsenal?
Man United v Arsenal headlines the Sunday action in the Premier League on 17 August at Old Trafford, with kick-off set for 4:30pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, coverage on both channels starts at 4pm BST, following Chelsea v Crystal Palace. A live stream will be available via NOW TV and Sky Go for subscribers as well.
Welcome
12:45 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester United battle Arsenal in the big game of the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Title challengers Arsenal hope to finally get over the line under Mikel Arteta, with Viktor Gyokeres tipped to be the “perfect match” after his £64m move from Sporting CP.
While Ruben Amorim is in desperate need of results after a dismal debut campaign and an entirely new front three, in the shape of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, could accelerate the side’s development.
Martin Zubimendi adds class to the Gunners’ midfield, too, with Noni Madueke offering another wide option to bring further depth.
