The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off with a heavyweight clash at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Arsenal on Sunday, 17 August (kick-off 16:30). This will be United’s ninth straight campaign opener at home, with the action broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Bukayo Saka remains a key threat for the Gunners. Despite missing a chunk of last season, he still netted six times, finishing as Arsenal’s fifth-highest scorer. He’s already proven a fast starter, finding the net on the opening day in each of the last two seasons. Another goal here would make him only the third Arsenal player in history to score in three consecutive opening league games—joining Geoff Strong and Thierry Henry in the record books. Recent history suggests goals could be scarce. While this fixture once promised high-scoring drama, the last four league clashes between these sides have all gone under 2.5 goals.
Last season was one to forget for United. Another managerial shake-up left them slumping to 15th in the table—their lowest league finish since 1989/90 and their worst-ever Premier League points tally (42). Home form was a particular concern, with just seven wins in 19 matches and nine defeats—the joint-most in club history. Only relegated Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton scored fewer home goals. Statistically, they produced 358 shots (excluding blocks), 175 on target, 44 goals, 10 clean sheets and conceded 54 goals.
Arsenal, meanwhile, finished runners-up for the third consecutive season. Mikel Arteta’s side lost fewer games but a league-high 14 draws stunted their title challenge. They still recorded the league’s second-best away record with 35 points on the road, but their tendency to draw—especially away (8 times)—proved costly. One of those stalemates came at Old Trafford. Last season they registered 368 shots (excluding blocks), 188 on target, 69 goals, 13 clean sheets and conceded 34 goals.
For this match, Manchester United remain without Noussair Mazraoui, who is recovering from a thigh injury, while Lisandro Martinez is sidelined until 2026. New signings Matheus Cunha and Diego León could make their debuts. Arsenal expect Gabriel to return from a thigh injury, but Gabriel Martinelli is still recovering from a knee problem. Big summer signing Martin Zubimendi is set for his debut, while Christian Nørgaard may also feature following his move from Brentford.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with United (four wins, one draw) and the Red Devils have managed just one win in their last seven league encounters with the North Londoners.