please log in to view this image Venue: Old Trafford Date: Sunday 17th August 2025 KO time: 16:30 BST Overall Record Wins: 90 Losses: 102 Draws: 51 Last six meetings Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (FA Cup - Utd win 5-3 on pens) Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Martinelli----------Gyokeres-------------Saka ---------------------Odegaard-------------------- --------------Rice-------------Zubimendi------- Calafiori----Gabriel------Saliba------Timber ------------------------Raya------------------------ Kinda hoping we see this again - I like the fact we went back to a double pivot against Bilbao. My main question would be Martinelli or Madueki.
I think it will be Martinelli - he looked sharp at the end of last season and has had a good pre season too. I do think he works better with Calafiori also. MLS might have a job on his hands starting at LB if Calafiori stays fit. This is one of the most important season openers in years for us - win it and we have a home game to follow which we have a great chance of winning and moving to 6 pts from 6. That would really set us up for the tough run after that. Lose this game and the pressure will be huge.
My only concern is our left side. Rice needs to be given the license to push forward as often as possible to help Martinelli, Calafiori/MLS need to provide overlapping runs too.
I have to say, I am not at all optimistic about the game. Genuinely do not know why - just a feeling I guess.
Feels like a tough one to predict. United and their new forwards with something to prove at Old Trafford. But still if we play well.. we win.
100% Agree! I watched him live at the game v Athelico and he worked well, fitting in pretty much seamlessly. I think as per the game I watched, Havertz could come on to replace as when, plus Havertz is still getting back into full fitness from his lay off.
I think Gyokeres starts. You want your best players in the team for such a high profile game. If Havertz can do what he did against Bilbao coming off the bench again today, he'll then give Arteta a headache in selection
They may even both start - but that would be a hell of a gamble in a season opener where the game is probably more important than any opener we've had in the PL.
Yeah it's got that old school Man Utd v Arsenal feel about it before a ball has even been kicked. Both teams have added attacking players, the onus is on Utd to come of out the blocks firing with three new forwards, and the onus is on Arsenal to prove that the money they've spent has made the difference too. I don't see them both starting, but I do see a role for Havertz sitting just behind Gyokeres in games. I think Havertz does the hold up play really well and he's very effective as a second striker / false 9. But I think the starting line up will see Martinelli / Gyokeres / Saka start up front with Rice and Odegaard in behind.
Feels odd that this such a huge game - but it really is. Sesko vs Gyokeres too. Narratives will be set after this game.
We’re getting done down our left time and again. Califiori is now on a yellow too. I’d bring on MLS at HT
Absolutely awful Defensively look like clowns - with chief clown being Saliba. Rice and Zubimendi have been completely dominated in the game. Odegaard continues to make the wrong decision or execute poorly every time he's in posession unless it's a 5 yard pass. Martinelli has ZERO conviction. Saka no room to work. Every time i see Gyokeres play i get more worried. Much better half needed - we're very lucky to even still be in the game, let alone winning.
