Man United vs Arsenal: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players

Manchester United begin their Premier League campaign against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United endured a terrible campaign last term, finishing in their lowest-ever position in the Premier League era and are seeking to avoid the same this term.

Arsenal have finished as runners-up in the last three seasons and hope to end their two-decade wait for the league title.

Match preview

Man United had a decent pre-season, recording wins against West Ham United and Bournemouth, draws with Leeds United and Everton, and a penalty shoot-out victory over Fiorentina in the Snapdragon Cup.

They have strengthened the attack with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, all of whom could make their official debut against the Gunners.

Arsenal started pre-season in Asia, where they picked up wins against AC Milan and Newcastle United before losing to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. In their last two fixtures, they lost to Villarreal and defeated Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.

They have also been busy in the transfer market, concluding deals for Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Head-to-head

Arsenal have been the most dominant team in this fixture in the last ten games, winning five, losing three and drawing twice.

However, they have a poor record on United’s patch, picking just three league wins in the last two decades.

Team news

Manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that defenders Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui will miss the fixture, while Sesko is fit to play, but kept the lid on whether he would start.

During his pre-match conference, manager Mikel Arteta revealed that forward Leandro Trossard will be fit for the encounter.

Key players

Man United

Bruno Fernandes: Fernandes was the club’s Player of the Season last term and looked sharp in pre-season as he was voted the best player during the US tour.

Harry Maguire: The England international was United’s most consistent defender last season and is expected to play a vital role for the Red Devils in this campaign.

Arsenal

Declan Rice: He was the Gunners’ best player last term, contributing at both ends of the pitch. He scored in his last game at Old Trafford.

Bukayo Saka: The English forward remains the North London side’s best forward despite the arrival of Gyokeres. He has six goal involvements in 10 games against United.

Stats from transfermarkt.com & 11v11.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .