Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups

Old Trafford forms the backdrop for a mouth-watering Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal on Sunday late afternoon.

It has been a while since these two sides met each other in such high spirits, which promises nothing short of a spectacle in this iconic Premier League fixture.

With Europa League participation pending, the schedule is becoming more gruelling for both teams, so they’d want to welcome the new European campaign with flying colours. 

While many expected both clubs to by vying for Europa League success as a second route into the Champions League next season, things are looking quite the opposite now.

Erik ten Hag’s managerial tenure at the Theatre of Dreams was off to a sluggish start as the Red Devils lost both opening Premier League matches via an aggregate score of 6-1.

However, just when the Stretford End faithful started to believe the Dutchman could be another waste in the dugout, Man Utd have strung together three league victories for the first time since December 2021.

United’s noticeable uplift in form, accompanied by back-to-back clean sheets, has catapulted them from the bottom of the table into the top five heading into this matchday. 

On the other hand, Arsenal are on the cusp of achieving a historic milestone after commencing the new Premier League season with an impressive run of five triumphs. 

Not since 1947/48 have the Gunners started a new top-flight campaign with victories in their first six league fixtures, yet the last time they did that, they went on to win the title.

Enthusiasm and hope are back at the Emirates Stadium for the first time since Arsene Wenger’s departure from the helm in 2018, with Mikel Arteta growing into a cult hero in north London. 

Match Preview

Manchester United

Arsenal’s upcoming visit to Old Trafford does not bode well for ten Hag’s hope to win four consecutive Man Utd fixtures in the Premier League, at least based on the recent H2H record.

The Red Devils have picked up just one win in their last eight top-flight encounters against the London side (D3, L4), courtesy of a 3-2 win in this corresponding fixture in 2021/22.

Maybe ten Hag’s decision to sideline Harry Maguire in favour of Lisandro Martinez could bolster Man Utd’s bid to keep only their second Premier League clean sheet against the Gunners in 17 matches. 

Antony’s blockbuster arrival from Ajax should improve things on the other end of the pitch, as United looked a bit out of ideas against Southampton and Leicester City in their last two league games.

Arsenal

Arsenal may be enjoying a purple patch against Man Utd, but they have only won once in their last 15 Premier League outings at Old Trafford (D5, L9). 

By contrast, Arteta’s men have won both away league games by 2+ goals ‘to nil’ this season, meaning they could start a new Premier League season with three straight road victories for the first time since 2013/14.

If there’s something the early Arsenal fixtures taught us, Gabriel Jesus could be the striker the Gunners have been crying out for since the glory days of Thiery Henry.

Following a stellar pre-season, the former Manchester City forward has tallied three goals and three assists in his first five Premier League appearances for the north London outfit.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Potential Line-ups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen; Jadon Sancho, Burno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, Willian Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny; Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli; Gabriel Jesus.

How to Watch?

Man Utd vs Arsenal, alongside all other fixtures in England’s top flight, is available to watch online via Premier League live streams.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Prediction

Man Utd are picking up momentum following an abysmal start and history firmly backs them to add to their tally here.

Meanwhile, Arsenal can pack a punch on their day, but injuries to fundamental first-team players Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard could spell the end of their golden streak. 

However, we expect both teams to score in what should be an enthralling share of the spoils.

Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal