A Premier League blockbuster awaits Arsenal on matchday one, as the Gunners face Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim and Mikel Arteta are far more friendly than Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, but the rivalry is still firmly alive.
The two managers will both be desperate to get the 2025/26 season off to a strong start, with a lot on the line for both Arsenal and Man United.
Though the Gunners finished 32 points above the Red Devils last term, Arteta’s side will face a new-look Man United at Old Trafford on the opening day.
Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United’s forwards aren’t ready
The same can be said about the Arsenal squad, which has been bolstered with six new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Man United fans already fear Martin Zubimendi, but it could be said that the visitors will be cautious of two of United’s new arrivals.
Amorim sealed a deal for Arsenal target Matheus Cunha and also Bryan Mbeumo, who was eyed by Andrea Berta in the summer.
The Red Devils also signed former Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko to compile a front three of attackers wanted by the Gunners, but the arrivals don’t necessarily represent a threat to the North Londoners.
Speaking after Man United’s pre-season draw against Fiorentina, Amorim admitted that two of his new signings are not yet at their best.
“I think they [Cunha and Mbeumo] are maybe 50/60 per cent of what they can do,” Amorim said.
“I think, like any other team, we are going to improve during the season; they are going to be so much better.”
It might be the perfect time to face United, whose inspired front three aren’t yet firing, with fitness and adaptation not the only problem.
Amorim explained that his side are also struggling to tactically adapt, with things not expected to immediately change as Sesko has only just arrived.
“In some moments I felt that we, because of the one-v-one in all the pitch, we struggle without a reference as a striker. We have a new player [Benjamin Sesko], so we’ll see.”
Arsenal will face a greater threat than what was seen last season from United, but that being said, a watered-down threat, with the trio yet to play together.
Viktor Gyokeres found Amorim’s departure ‘shocking’
On the other hand, United will have their own concerns about facing Arsenal, who also have a new striker.
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres, a player brought to life by Amorim, who coached the forward to glory at Sporting CP.
Gyokeres spoke highly of Amorim, but admitted that, at first, his exit in Lisbon was a tough pill to swallow.
“It was shocking at the beginning. It was in the middle of the season, and we had games coming up.
“That never happened to me before. It was a surprise, but I totally understand his decision, and there are no hard feelings from the team.”
Amorim and Gyokeres will reunite on the opening day, as two squads with new number nines will go head to head.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
