Three changes to watch out for as Arsenal host Manchester United in the FA Cup

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Arsenal kick off their 2025 FA Cup campaign when they host Manchester United in North London on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a swift response from his side following their disappointing 2-0 EFL Cup loss at the hands of Newcastle United.

Standing in their way however is a familiar opponent in Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, a side who The Gunners defeated 2-0 just over a month ago in the Premier League.

It’s, however, a new competition – which comes with its own rules. Three notable changes are set to take centre-stage at the Emirates Stadium, adding a unique flavour to the FA Cup Third Round encounter.

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Three changes in Arsenal’s FA Cup Clash against Manchester United

Sunday’s FA Cup clash between rivals Arsenal and Manchester United isn’t just another fixture, it comes with a few tweaks that are sure to grab attention.

Change of Arsenal kit

Firstly, despite being the hosts, The Gunners won’t be dressed in their traditional red kit. Instead, they’ll be dressed in white as part of Arsenal’s noble “No More Red” campaign.

Manchester United head into this season’s FA Cup as defending champions after going all the way last season, and that comes with one major perk!

A custom ball for Manchester United

The Red Devils get to use a personalised Mitre ball against Arsenal thanks to their ‘defending champions’ status.

No FA Cup replays!

And finally, unlike in previous years where a replay was utilised, should the score-line remain level after regulation time, extra-time and penalties will be used to determine the winner.

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Mikel Arteta’s FA Cup record explored

Arteta made history by becoming the first player to lift the FA Cup as both a player and manager when he won it in his maiden season with Arsenal back in 2020.

Since then, however, the Spanish tactician has struggled to replicate his initial form. The following season, Arsenal were knocked out in the Fourth Round by Southampton courtesy of a Gabriel own goal.

Arteta’s side then went down in the opening round of the 2021/22 edition after losing to Nottingham Forrest via a solitary Lewis Grabban goal.

One year later, Manchester City then defeated Arteta’s side in the fourth round courtesy of a solitary Nathan Ake goal.

Arsenal’s dismal run in the FA Cup continued last season when they were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool in the opening round thanks to an own goal by Jakub Kiwior and a late Luiz Diaz strike.

Despite the recent history and the unique circumstances surrounding this FA Cup clash, one thing for certain is that when Arsenal and Manchester United meet in the FA Cup, it’s always magical.