Manchester United vs Arsenal LIVE
The headline act of the opening Premier League win ended in a 1-0 victory for Arsenal over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Riccardo Calafiori was the match-winner on 13 minutes, as he nodded home from Declan Rice’s corner as William Saliba penned in United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
There were debuts for new strikers Viktor Gyokeres - who started for the visitors - and Benjamin Sesko, who came off the bench for the hosts, while Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Noni Madueke, and Martin Zubimendi all made their bows in their new colours as well. United went close plenty of times to equalising, mainly through Cunha and Mbeumo, who both tested and forced good saves out of Arsenal keeper David Raya, and the Spaniard was beaten by left wing-back Patrick Dorgu, although the Dane saw his drilled effort cannon back off the foot of the post.
For Arsenal, it is an ideal start to the campaign in a tricky test that they were sub-par for the majority, but they ground out the victory and earned a big three points that sets the tone for the term ahead.
Manchester United vs Arsenal latest news
- Dorgu hits post
- Calafiori opens scoring
- How to watch: Sky Sports and NOW
- Man Utd team news
- Arsenal team news
Arsenal player ratings
18:30 , Oli GentHere’s how Matt Verri rated the Arsenal players’ performances this afternoon.
Full time
18:24 , Oli GentThat’s it. Arsenal are victorious at Old Trafford on matchday one. A huge three points.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:23 , Oli Gent90+6 mins: Fernandes takes a corner deep towards de Ligt, who knocks it down for Maguire, but Raya claims.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:21 , Oli Gent90+4 mins: United are looking to pen the Gunners in as they desperately seek an equaliser. As is customary, Maguire is playing up front.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:20 , Oli Gent90+2 mins: Corner, Arsenal. It breaks for Saka in the box, and he smashes it into de Ligt and behind for the set piece. Gabriel has stayed back, Saliba goes forward, but it’s worked short. It’s played back for Lewis-Skelly and Mbeumo is onto him. He robs the youngster, who is in the book.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:19 , Oli Gent90 mins: Six added minutes.
Matt Verri reports
18:16 , Oli Gent88 mins: Fair few United fans around the press box have seen enough and are heading for the exit. Not sure how wise that is, considering the score and the way Arsenal have played for much of the match...
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:10 , Oli Gent82 mins: Odegaard and Rice are over it, and it is Rice to hit around the wall, looking for the near post. It gets a nick off the wall, and goes for a corner. That’s the midfielder’s last kick, as he is replaced by Mikel Merino.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:08 , Oli Gent81 mins: A loose blind pass from Ugarte, straight to Havertz. Maguire stands up tall and blocks him off. Free kick to the visitors.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:07 , Oli Gent80 mins: Harry Maguire comes on for Luke Shaw.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:07 , Oli Gent79 mins: Nothing will fall for United’s new signings as it won’t break for either Sesko nor Mbeumo in the box, It comes for Cunha, but he’s also crowded out.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:04 , Oli Gent77 mins: United’s back three have been superb in keeping the Arsenal attack out. They’ll be upset about the goal, but the overall performance has been very good from all of Yoro, de Ligt, and Shaw.
Matt Verri reports
18:02 , Oli Gent75 mins: Raya with another crucial save to keep Arsenal in front. The Gunners have been shaky in attack, pretty open in midfield and not particularly convincing up front... but they are 20 minutes or so away from an Old Trafford win.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
18:01 , Oli Gent74 mins: What a save! Dorgu is fed the ball on the left and sends in a good cross. Mbeumo makes contact and Raya produces a great save to deny him! The next one comes in and Sesko meets it this time, but it’s wide.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:59 , Oli Gent72 mins: The pair take to the field, with White and Calafiori both withdrawn.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:58 , Oli Gent70 mins: Cunha isn’t so happy that the game has been punctuated with White down injured. He’s having an animated conversation with Odegaard. Lewis-Skelly and Timber are stripped and ready for the visitors.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:58 , Oli Gent69 mins: What a touch that is from Cunha to drive away from White. He looks for Mbeumo, but it just won’t break for him. In the second phase, the Cameroonian looks to loop over his head as the cross comes in, but it’s just wide.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:53 , Oli Gent67 mins: Cunha has moved from the central position to the left. Sesko, obviously, has moved into that No9 position, with Mbeumo the other side. The front three on full display now.
As for Arsenal, Madueke has taken Martinelli’s place on the left side. Not much to report on his debut, however.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:52 , Oli Gent65 mins: Here he comes. Sesko replaces Mount, while Casemiro gives way to Ugarte.
Matt Verri reports
17:51 , Oli Gent64 mins: The moment United fans have been waiting for. Sesko is getting ready to come on. Ugarte too, but with the greatest of respect, I don't think anybody is looking at him.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:50 , Oli Gent63 mins: Benjamin Sesko has been called back from his warm-up up the touchline. Could we see him enter the fray shortly?
Matt Verri reports
17:48 , Oli Gent61 mins: Huge ironic cheers mixed with boos as Gyokeres is brought off on the hour mark. Martinelli also replaced. Fair to say neither of them can have any complaints with that.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:47 , Oli Gent60 mins: An hour played, and it’s time for Noni Madueke’s Arsenal debut. The front three haven’t really linked well enough so far, and the former Chelsea winger is making an entrance, replacing Gabriel Martinelli. Gyokeres is also taken off for Kai Havertz.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:45 , Oli Gent57 mins: Fernandes sends a delivery right on top of Raya, but the Arsenal shot-stopper punches clear. It comes out to Diallo, who links with Mbeumo down the right. Dorgu is on the wrong side but sends in a teasing inswinger, but Fernandes can’t keep it in play.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:44 , Oli Gent56 mins: Great battles unfolding between Mbeumo and Gabriel, and then Cunha and Saliba. Both United new signings show great strength and power against the usually-dominant defenders, with Cunha winning a free kick wide left.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:42 , Oli Gent55 mins: A first change for United with Amad Diallo stripped and ready. He’s coming on to replace Diogo Dalot at right wing-back.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:41 , Oli Gent53 mins: Fernandes is given a talking to by Simon Hooper as he mistimes a sliding challenge on Gabriel.
Matt Verri reports
17:40 , Oli Gent52 mins: First chance for Gyokeres to really run with it in behind... and he trips over the ball. And then fouls Casemiro. Apart from that he did everything right.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:37 , Oli Gent50 mins: A first real foray forward for Shaw from left centre-back as he supports Dorgu on the underlap. His dart and cut-back arrives at the feet of Mount, who sends an effort wide.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:36 , Oli Gent48 mins: De Ligt and Gyokeres are tied in a nicely-matched tussle at the moment. The Swede is getting the ball played into feet, which is being nullified by the aggression shown by United’s centre-backs.
Kick off!
17:33 , Oli Gent46 mins: We’re back.
HT: Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:18 , Oli GentArsenal go in at the interval with a slender one-goal lead, but this has been a good watch so far. What will the second half have in store?
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:16 , Oli Gent45 mins: One added minute.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:13 , Oli Gent42 mins: Calafiori earns the first booking of the game as he gets rolled by Mbeumo. The Italian pulls the United man back and gets a caution.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:12 , Oli Gent42 mins: It’s in low at the near post, not cleared convincingly, but United finally hack it away.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:12 , Oli Gent41 mins: Corner, Arsenal. Saka does really well to keep a ball into the right channel from Calafiori alive, as he wins the set piece off Dorgu. Chance here.
Matt Verri reports
17:10 , Oli Gent41 mins: Gyokeres watch update: not a lot to report. He's held the ball up well a couple of times but he's had next to nothing to work with in attack. Yet to have a chance to run in behind and test this defence.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:10 , Oli Gent39 mins: Close! A great save from Raya to deny Cunha once more! It breaks for the Brazilian in the left channel, as he darts away from his marker and sends one towards the far corner low, but Raya somehow gets down to stop him! Cunha can’t believe it.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:09 , Oli Gent38 mins: It’s three on three as Odegaard bursts through the heart of United. He has Saka and Martinelli ahead of him, but his ball finds neither.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:06 , Oli Gent36 mins: Odegaard glides through a couple of challenges, cuts infield, and hits one from range with his left, but Bayindir is behind it.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:05 , Oli Gent35 mins: Cunha and Mbeumo are causing problems as United look direct again. Mbeumo touches it down nicely to set Cunha, who runs onto it, but can only strike straight at Raya once more.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:04 , Oli Gent34 mins: Great end to end stuff as Gyokeres stands it up for Martinelli who produces a superb overhead airshot, and United break quickly. Cunha gets the ball on the half-turn and darts through on goal between Saliba and Gabriel. The Brazilian can only direct his effort straight at Raya, however!
Matt Verri reports
17:02 , Oli Gent32 mins: It's been a bit of a mess at the back from Arsenal. So open in transition, United's players are keeping their width and Arsenal are being caught out and time and time again. Doesn't feel very sustainable - surely United have to make one of these breaks count?
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
17:01 , Oli Gent30 mins: Close! Dorgu hits the post for Untied as the left wing-back is plenty of space. Saliba doesn’t get across to attend to it, and he strikes across Raya, beating the keeper, but not the woodwork!
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:59 , Oli Gent28 mins: A lovely cross-field pass from Mount to find Mbeumo, whose touch is excellent again. He finds Dalot on the overlap, and the wing-back’s cut-back is hacked at by Gabriel unconvincingly, but the flag is up against United’s No2.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:56 , Oli Gent26 mins: Calafiori’s venture forward leaves a huge space for Mbeumo to run into as Casemiro finds him, but his strike is deflected behind by Gabriel. Corner, United, which the new signing will take. It’s nodded clear by Gyokeres at the near post.
Matt Verri reports
16:55 , Oli Gent25 mins: Slightly strange match in that Arsenal haven't had much of the ball, haven't really had many attacks but they have the lead. Some shaky moments at the back - Saliba and Raya in particular have both been a fair way off their best so far.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:54 , Oli Gent24 mins: That goal seems to have really settled Arsenal down. They’re more in control of the ball now, but what’s Raya doing! He’s asking for trouble, dallying on the ball as Cunha converges on him quickly, and the Brazilian claims a penalty as he falls to the turf! Nothing doing, says the referee.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:51 , Oli Gent21 mins: There’s space ahead of Calafiori, who bursts into the open space ahead of him on the left. However, the Italian is offside, and United survive.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:49 , Oli Gent18 mins: Free kick, Arsenal. Odegaard shows lovely feet and skill with a nice nutmeg on Casemiro, and he’s chopped down by a sliding challenge from Shaw.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:48 , Oli Gent17 mins: Fernandes fires it into the Arsenal wall. Chance missed, as Rice takes it to the face.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:47 , Oli Gent16 mins: United have a free kick in a position of huge potential as Zubimendi nudges Fernandes down under the high ball on the edge of the area. A great chance here.
Matt Verri reports
16:46 , Oli Gent15 mins: New season, same old Arsenal. First corner and it brings the opening goal. Rice swings it in right on top of Bayindir, who at no point looked to be in control of that. Calafiori bundles it in. "Set piece again ole ole" is the chant from the away end.
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
16:44 , Oli GentGoal! 13 mins: Arsenal score from a set piece - no-one is surprised - as Rice’s corner is met by Calafiori on the line!
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Oli Gent11 mins: Arsenal break as Raya releases them early, and it’s worked right to Saka by Odegaard. Mount has a problem as his compatriot runs at him, but he times the challenge impeccably.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Oli Gent10 mins: Corner, United. De Ligt tries a raking ball out wide left to Dorgu, who wins the set piece off White. A chance for either the Dutchman de Ligt or Leny Yoro aerially. Or Casemiro, perhaps? Fernandes’ delivery, however, is caught by Raya.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Oli Gent9 mins: The referee is having a chat with Saliba, who goes in heavy and late on Dorgu. No card, but the next probably will be.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Oli Gent8 mins: Fernandes takes a free-kick from deep short to Patrick Dorgu, who goes for a speculative effort from a long way out. That’s ended up well wide of the target.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:37 , Oli Gent7 mins: Mbeumo is looking lively as he hares after a lovely ball from Fernandes. The Cameroonian’s angle is tight, and he fires straight at Raya.
Matt Verri reports
16:36 , Oli Gent6 mins: First sign of Gyokeres getting involved. He's too strong for De Ligt and shoves him off the ball, but Shaw gets back to help out his team-mate. That's still enough for the Arsenal fans to break out into the their chant for the summer signing.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:34 , Oli Gent4 mins: Tactical observations. It’s Cunha in the central-striking berth for the hosts, with Mount and Mbeumo tucked behind him from left and right respectively. As for Arsenal, Gyokeres is that focal point, and they are looking for him direct early on. Rice is to the left of Zubimendi in the midfield three.
Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
16:33 , Oli Gent3 mins: What a touch that is from Mbeumo - his first as a Man United player, as he plucks Dalot’s hacked clearance out of the air. Ben White does take a whack in the face as the Cameroonian races clear, but he can’t combine with Cunha ahead of him. But a good sign for the new man.
Matt Verri reports
16:31 , Oli Gent2 mins: Seriously loud inside Old Trafford as you'd expect when these two sides meet. There are slightly more important factors to consider this afternoon... but Arsenal's away kit is sensational.
Kick off!
16:31 , Oli Gent1: We are underway.
A minute's silence for Jota and Silva
16:29 , Oli GentOld Trafford falls into a minute’s silence for the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
The players are out!
16:27 , Oli GentThe Premier League anthem blares, and we are about to get underway here!
Amorim offers Onana update
16:26 , Oli Gent“He’s recovered, but the other players did well during pre-season, so I have to find a balance,” Amorim says of Andre Onana’s absence.
“Next week, it will be a different story. This week, we chose these players.”
Amorim's pre-match thoughts
16:20 , Oli Gent“It’s really important [to make a good start], to sell that to the fans and players. We know what we are doing. It’s three points today,” he says.
“We’re trying to use a starting XI thinking about the end of the game. Ben had a good week, but it’s just one week. It’s a lot of emotion, changing country, club, signing a contract. The first impression is very important. He’s ready to help us in the game,” he says of his new recruit Sesko.
“It’s an option, we try to pick the best players for each game. Next week could be different,” he says of Rasmus Hojlund’s absence.
Arteta's pre-match thoughts
16:15 , Oli Gent“Yes, I do [think we have the capability of being the best team in the land],” says the Spaniard.
“What a place, what a history, what an iconic place to play the first game,” he says of Old Trafford.
“Goals are his main quality, and he brings a fear factor. Defenders always feel a threat with him,” he says of his new striker Gyokeres.
Matt Verri reports
16:10 , Oli GentMax Dowman not in the Arsenal squad this afternoon but he has travelled and is stood on the touchline watching his team-mates warm up. He's caught the eye throughout pre-season - reminder that he doesn't turn 16 until December. Ridiculous talent.
Garnacho mural defaced!
16:00 , Oli GentA mural outside Old Trafford of Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been defaced.
The wantaway winger’s face has been scribbled on, with the Argentine not included in the matchday squad after he was told to find a new club by manager Ruben Amorim.
Matt Verri reports
15:55 , Oli GentDoes feel like Arsenal can get at that midfield pairing of Casemiro and Fernandes. The Gunners should have much more in terms of energy, could prove to be the defining battle this afternoon. Sure Mount will drop deep to help out too, but Arsenal's midfield certainly looks the stronger.
Team analysis: Arsenal
15:45 , Oli GentIt’s basically as strong as Mikel Arteta can get.
He’s even plumped for Riccardo Calafiori over Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, which could have something to do with United’s new right-sided attacker Bryan Mbeumo.
Ben White is at right-back, leaving Jurrien Timber on the bench, and both he and Calafiori will be tasked with holding the width while Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka drift inside to support the lone wolf Viktor Gyokeres in the final third, as well as looking for shooting positions on their stronger feet.
That space between wing-back and wide centre-back could be an area to exploit for the Gunners, as does the midfield, where Casemiro could find himself isolated as Bruno Fernandes bombs on.
That trio of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Odegaard has a lovely blend of legs, passing, defensive nous, and ball-carrying, and that could be enough to really overrun the hosts in the centre of the park.
Team analysis: Man Utd
15:38 , Oli GentLet’s dissect these teams, shall we?
For United, it’s as expected. We had the news earlier this afternoon that first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana was not fit enough to man the net this afternoon, and as such, deputy Altay Bayindir continues from his almost ever-presence in pre-season.
It looks like a first-choice defensive trio with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw, and you can bet that the left-sided centre-half will have licence to support attacks from deeper areas, potentially even offering underlapping runs beyond the left wing-back Patrick Dorgu.
In the engine room, Bruno Fernandes is in the pivot alongside Casemiro, with Ruben Amorim admitting that he likes playing his captain deeper to get him “closer to the ball”. That means that Bryan Mbeumo is partnered by Mason Mount in the two No10 positions behind the lone striker - who isn’t Benjamin Sesko - it is fellow fresh face Matheus Cunha instead.
With that, expect the Brazilian to drop deep and link play, with plenty of interchange between those front three. Mount and Mbeumo will be offering those penetrating runs in behind, beyond Cunha, but there doesn’t look like there is much goalscoring impetus there. Unless Sesko makes an appearance, that is.
Matt Verri reports
15:30 , Oli GentBig decisions for Arteta came at full-back and it's White and Calafiori who get the nod over Timber and Lewis-Skelly. Otherwise it's as you'd expect, with Gyokeres making his competitive debut against his former manager. It's a pretty large squad at the moment - the likes of Norgaard, Dowman and Nelson not on the bench.
Arsenal starting lineup
15:22 , Oli GentConfirmed Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard, Madueke, Havertz
Man Utd starting lineup
15:21 , Oli GentConfirmed Man Utd XI: Bayindir; Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Mbeumo, Cunha
Subs: Heaton, Fredericson, Heaven, Maguire, Mainoo, Ugarte, Diallo, Sesko, Zirkzee
New garms
15:05 , Alex YoungA peek inside the away dressing room...
Amorim wants teams to be afraid of Old Trafford again
15:00 , Alex YoungRuben Amorim stressed the importance of turning Old Trafford back into "an enjoyable place" for Manchester United fans as he seeks to chip away at nervousness and create a fortress.
Last season was the club's worst top-flight campaign since relegation in 1974 and saw the misfiring Red Devils suffer nine home defeats in the Premier League.
Asked if it is important that United makes Old Trafford a difficult place for opposition teams, he said: "And an enjoyable place for our fans. That is really important.
"But we don't have to think about... it's just one game against Arsenal, against one team that everyone in this room thinks Arsenal is going to win.
"I know that, so we'll be there on Sunday to change things."
Pushed on whether it became a mental issue for his players, Amorim continued: "It's not a mental thing. It's not just for the players, it's also for the fans.
"Even the (pre-season) game against Fiorentina you can feel it. The fans are a little bit nervous.
"This feeling is not [clicks finger] just one day, one game, so it's a feeling that we have to fight everyone together - the players, the coaches and the fans - and we are going to change things."
Hojlund left out of Man Utd squad
14:51 , Alex YoungRasmus Hojlund was been left out of Manchester United's squad to face Arsenal this afternoon amid transfer speculation over his future.
The Athletic report that United are keen to get rid of Hojlund this summer, having signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £73.7million.
AC Milan and Leipzig have shown an interest in the player, though the player remains keen to stay and fight for his place.
Hojlund scored just four goals in the Premier League last season, and went on a 21-match goalless streak.
Team news will be confirmed at 3.15pm.
Why Arsenal signed Gyokeres as Arteta reveals 'important data'
14:39 , Alex YoungMikel Arteta says it took one phone call to be convinced that Viktor Gyokeres was the right signing for Arsenal.
After three consecutive seasons of finishing runners-up in the Premier League, Gyokeres is seen by many as final piece in Arsenal’s jigsaw given his goalscoring record over the past two campaigns.
In 102 games across all competitions for Sporting, the Swede netted 97 goals thus establishing himself as one of the most lethal strikers in the whole of Europe.
Speaking to Men In Blazers, the Arsenal manager revealed what was the “most important data” regarding the decision to pursue Gyokeres.
“It's it was my first phone call with him,” Arteta said. “That was the best data tell us about it. When I told him the idea that I had and I wanted to just look at his reaction, they come into ours and imagine yourself putting that shirt on, walking into a dressing room with respect is around you.
“How do you handle it? Eyes open. Like this. That's my dream. So that's a bit of data because you can have all the data, but this guy has to come in that room with that pressure into that league.
“And that for me, that was the most important data.
“The other data I knew is how this guy is going to behave when he comes in that pitch, with that security, with that dominance and with that arrogance almost to say, don't worry, I will do it.”
Man Utd vs Arsenal prediction
14:27 , Alex YoungBoth sides have strengthened this summer, particularly in attack with the arrivals of much-needed new striker Gyokeres at Arsenal plus a brand-new front three at United.
On paper that could spell a goal-fest, particularly with the Red Devils still defensively suspect. The Gunners did have the Premier League’s best defensive record last year, though, and haven’t lost any of their backline personnel.
But Amorim will be encouraged by his side eking out a result last time around, and his squad could give Arteta’s men a run for their money.
Arsenal to win, 3-2.
Early Arsenal team news
14:19 , Alex YoungAnother new striker will also be making his debut today with Viktor Gyokeres set to feature for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta faces a big call over whether to throw Gyokeres straight into the action from the start, with last season’s No9 Kai Havertz also an option up top.
The Arsenal manager has not ruled out the possibility of Havertz and Gyokeres lining up together, with both men scoring in the team’s final pre-season outing last weekend.
Elsewhere in attack, star man Bukayo Saka picks himself on the right wing.
Gabriel Martinelli - fresh from a strong performance against Athletic Club - is perhaps the likeliest option on the left, with Noni Madueke still settling in and Leandro Trossard seemingly nearing an exit while he recovers from a groin injury.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi looks to be gelling nicely with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
David Raya will start in goal behind William Saliba and Gabriel, with competition at full-back between Ben White and Jurrien Timber on the right and Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left.
White has featured more heavily in pre-season as Timber dealt with an injury that kept the Dutch defender sidelined until Arsenal’s last two outings, and therefore could get the nod here from Arteta.
Calafiori caught the eye against Athletic Cub last weekend and may be given a chance to cause damage down United’s right flank in the spaces left open by Ruben Amorim’s wing-back of choice on that side - which, based on pre-season, looks increasingly likely to be converted winger Amad Diallo.
Early Man Utd team news
14:12 , Alex YoungNew Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko will make his debut today, with Rasmus Hojlund omitted from the squad.
The £73.7million signing has trained with his new team-mates and Ruben Amorim confirmed on Friday that the striker is ready to play against the team he was previously linked with.
There may be concerns over Sesko’s fitness and ability to play 90 minutes because he’s not played a game since featuring as a second half substitute in Leipzig’s pre-season friendly win over Toulouse at the end of July.
If Sesko is named on the bench, it could be that Mason Mount benefits. Whether that be in one of the advanced attacking midfield positions or as a false nine with fellow summer recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha either side remains to be seen.
Elsewhere, United will be without Noussair Mazraoui due to injury. The versatile defender joins long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez as the two players guaranteed to miss out against Arsenal.
Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee missed the entirety of pre-season, but have since returned to full training and are options for the matchday squad.
As a result, Amorim’s back three is likely to be comprised of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu look set to get the nod in the wing-back slots.
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal
14:05 , Alex YoungTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST ahead of a 4.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky customers can access the match on Sky Go and on the Sky Sports app, while it is also available via Now TV's Sports membership.
Welcome
13:59 , Alex YoungGood afternoon and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford.
It’s the headline act of the opening weekend as two old foes of the English game face off. They could scarcely have enjoyed/endured more opposing seasons last term, but begin today with carte blanche - and with a plethora of new talent.
Kick-off is at 4.30pm BST. Stick with us.
