Five things to know ahead of Man United's Premier League clash with Arsenal

Manchester United host Arsenal in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday. Read on as we look at five key facts ahead of the clash.

Historic meeting

This marks the first time both sides will meet on the opening matchday of the Premier League era.

The earliest time they met was in the Community Shield, where they have faced each other three times, with Arsenal winning once and United triumphing twice on penalties.

Debuts for profile-signings

Forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo could make their competitive bow for United, while Arsenal might hand first appearances to summer signings Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Cunha and Mbeumo faced Arsenal during their spells at Wolves and Brentford, respectively, while this will be Sesko’s first clash against the Gunners.

Zubimendi, Madueke, Norgaard and Arrizabalaga have previously played against United, while Mosquera has not.

Ruben Amorim’s indomitable opening day record

Before joining United, Amorim managed two top-flight clubs – Braga and Sporting CP.

He did not oversee a season opener at Braga because he joined midway through the season, but he did at Sporting, where he did not taste defeat on the opening day.

As a result, he has yet to taste defeat in the opening matchday of a league season as a top-flight manager.

Man United’s strong first home game record

Man United have tasted defeat just thrice in their first home game of the season in the Premier League era.

They lost 3-0 to Everton in 1992/1993, were beaten 2-1 by Swansea in the 2014/15 season and lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace in 2020/21.

Who is the fixture’s top scorer?

No player has scored more than club legend Wayne Rooney (12) in this fixture, late United forward Jack Rowley is second (10), while Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo are joint-third with nine goals apiece.

Article written by Henry Thornton .