MUFC will see in 25/26 against a longtime rival. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has confirmed his options for the maiden outing of his first full term in charge of Manchester United: a home clash with Arsenal.
Season-openers don’t get much bigger than two of the most decorated English clubs in history locking horns, each gunning to start their campaigns on a high.
The two rivals oversaw drastically different 2024/2025 seasons, with Arsenal finishing second for the third consecutive time and United, falling to a dismal 15th-placed finish.
United and Arsenal’s signings this summer
Nonetheless, it’s time to start afresh and see what 2025/2026 will bring for the 20-time champions.
Amorim has been backed considerably on the market, having been granted an entirely new frontline in the form of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha.
The Gunners, on the other hand, signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea, and have welcomed midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Christhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga and, last but not least, rumoured Red Devils target Viktor Gyokeres, who’s said to have rebuffed a move to Old Trafford due to their failure to qualify for Europe.
Amorim’s team news for matchday one
In regards to the players available for Amorim this weekend, he confirmed in this afternoon’s press conference that he would be without Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez. The former sustained a setback early on in United’s pre-season preparations, while the latter has been out of action since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament back in February.
Amorim’s latest arrival, Sesko, is ready to feature – although he did remain tight-lipped on whether that would be from the off or as a substitute. The Slovenian was unveiled to supporters before kick-off vs Fiorentina last Saturday, and has been involved in training in recent days.
Kick-off is at 4.30 pm on Sunday afternoon.
