Old Trafford readies for a heavyweight opening act as Manchester United welcome Arsenal on Sunday evening, setting the stage for a fresh Premier League campaign rich with new faces, bold ideas, and early-season nerves. The stakes feel larger than a curtain-raiser, and the spotlight will be bright on both dugouts and debutants alike.
The 2025/26 season kicks off at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, with a 4:30pm BST (9:00pm IST) start under referee Simon Hooper and VAR overseen by Paul Tierney. UK viewers can watch on Sky Sports, while coverage for India is set via JioHotstar and Star Sports.
Summer arrivals shaping the narrative
Both squads arrive refreshed after significant investment, with Arsenal’s business headlined by the captures of Viktor Gyökeres on a five-year deal and Martin Zubimendi in midfield. Gyökeres’ move follows an intensive pursuit to secure a focal point in attack, a signing designed to add power and cutting edge to Mikel Arteta’s front line. Zubimendi’s arrival strengthens control at the base of midfield.
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Manchester United’s window added firepower and variety with Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, setting a more aggressive profile for Rúben Amorim’s first league game in charge. Amorim has publicly backed Šeško’s readiness and long-term impact, hinting at a frontline evolution beginning this weekend.
Manchester United’s predicted lineup
Amorim is expected to lean on a 3-4-2-1 built around key recruits, with the final call in goal hinging on André Onana’s late fitness assessment and Altay Bayındır ready if needed.
A likely back three could include Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire, with Maguire on the left of the trio. Width may come from Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu at wing-back, while Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte provide balance in the middle.
Up front, Šeško could lead the line from the start, supported by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, though match sharpness may dictate whether he begins or is introduced later.
Arsenal’s predicted lineup
Arteta is likely to keep a 4-3-3 while integrating his new signings, with David Raya set behind a defence of Ben White, William Saliba, and Gabriel, and the left-back decision hinging on Riccardo Calafiori’s late fitness, with academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly an option if required.
Midfield should feature Martin Zubimendi anchoring with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. The attack is expected to see Bukayo Saka right, Gabriel Martinelli left, and Gyökeres through the middle, while Noni Madueke’s use remains a tactical choice based on match flow.
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Team news and selection calls
Manchester United’s decisions are shaped by fitness checks across key positions and the bedding-in of high-profile arrivals, with Amorim signalling confidence in his new striker while managing minutes across the front line.
Arsenal’s choices could turn on Calafiori’s readiness at left-back and the balance of their new-look midfield, with Gyökeres primed for a central role. With Simon Hooper in charge and Paul Tierney on VAR, the tempo and control in early exchanges may prove decisive.
