Some issues are simply blindingly apparent. For years wanted a centre-forward and Manchester United wanted a goalkeeper.
For all their spending this summer season, for a totally revamped entrance three – all had been concerned right here with Benjamin Sesko coming off the bench for the final half hour – haven’t addressed certainly one of their evident issues and, due to this fact, they misplaced.
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Arsenal have handled theirs, and whereas he was far much less spectacular (no photographs and simply 21 touches) than the United pair of Matheus Cunha or the damaging Bryan Mbeumo, it merely didn’t matter. Not but, anyway.
That was as a result of Arsenal had been fairly actually handed the victory as Altay Bayindir weakly punched a nook over himself for Riccardo Calafiori to move the ball in on the goal-line.
Even when Arsenal are considered a risk from corners and set-pieces – this was their thirty first objective from such means for the reason that begin of the 2023-24 season, greater than some other Premier League staff – it was poor from the Turkish worldwide.
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United claimed he was blocked by William Saliba and, whereas the Arsenal centre-half was intelligent in his positioning, the contact appeared minimal.
Bayindir merely wanted to be stronger. “Simply take management of the six-yard field,” declared Roy Keane who was within the Sky Sports activities studio. “Be aggressive. I’ve stated it many instances for a goalkeeper, include violence.” Possibly not violence. However, with Bayindir being 6ft 6in, we all know what he meant.
Altay Bayindir was at fault for Arsenal’s objective, failing to command his field and mistiming his punch – Getty Pictures/Michael Regan
“Set-piece once more ole, ole!” chanted the Arsenal followers, who in all probability couldn’t imagine their luck at such an early present.
Bayindir was chosen forward of first-choice André Onana, who has taken half in simply three coaching classes after recovering from harm, however the fact is that neither is nice sufficient for United.
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Each make errors – Bayindir made an identical blunder in dropping away to Tottenham Hotspur within the Carabao Cup final season – and neither instils confidence. That’s simply not acceptable for a membership with United’s ambitions.
Even so a brand new goalkeeper is, apparently, nonetheless not a precedence throughout this switch window, Manchester Metropolis being given a transparent run if they permit Ederson to go away and from Paris St-Germain.
Donnarumma has been criticised himself prior to now for a weak point beneath crosses, however the 26-year-old stays a big improve on what United at present possess.
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United did inquire about Donnarumma earlier than the Membership World Cup however determined in opposition to a transfer as they spent their switch funds on extra ahead gamers than anticipated. However they should revisit that call, having additionally tried to signal Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez.
It actually suggests it’s one thing they’re conscious of. The query is – nonetheless tight the funds have been stretched – can they afford to not? For all his defence of his goalkeepers, can Ruben Amorim danger it as he loses one other league sport?
Actually, the perfect goalkeeper on their books might be 39-year-old Tom Heaton. Meals for thought for chief govt Omar Berrada and director of soccer Jason Wilcox within the administrators’ field. Additionally right here, making a uncommon look, was vice-chairman Avram Glazer.
The distinction was highlighted within the second half when United caught a nook into precisely the identical piece of the penalty space as Arsenal did for his or her objective however, this time, David Raya punched powerfully clear and caught laborious Matthijs de Ligt within the course of. The Arsenal goalkeeper was sturdy and decisive.
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Even so, Arsenal will know they had been lucky to win, Raya saving properly from an Mbeumo header and Patrick Dorgu hitting the surface of a submit as United had been unable to transform their dominance. The guests appeared shaky in defence.
David Raya proves his value to Arsenal with a nice save to disclaim Bryan Mbeumo – Shutterstock/Conor Molloy
By the top, Raya had made seven saves, probably the most by any Premier League goalkeeper on this opening weekend.
But when it’s a trait of champions, and one Arsenal have , to not play properly and nonetheless triumph then they’ll take that. It ended 1-0 to the Arsenal, as they used to sing, and so they discovered a strategy to win.
They did finally defend properly beneath the late and frantic onslaught from United, though it helps Mikel Arteta that he has such a robust squad to select from.
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For instance he modified each full-backs – what a luxurious it’s to have the ability to deliver on Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber.
Kai Havertz additionally got here on, changing the ineffective Gyokeres who, together with the remainder of Arsenal’s non-threatening assault, may need been the story had the end result been totally different. Havertz was an enchancment.
However Arsenal know they’ll play loads higher, as a delighted Arteta acknowledged. They had been unusually weak and it was one other indictment of United that they weren’t adequate to take benefit by conceding so badly.
United additionally did not capitalise on the feel-good issue round Previous Trafford, and that could be a fragile factor given how poor outcomes have been for thus lengthy.
Manchester United created many probabilities all through the sport however didn’t take them, as they went all the way down to Arsenal – Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
However, then, that’s what you danger when you’ve gotten such a weak point in objective. Can United actually afford to not make a change? Or will this sport – with its clear and apparent error – come again to hang-out them?
07:04 PM BSTAmorim on Arsenal’s objective
Generally it occurred final yr. It’s not enjoying the ball. I perceive we would like objectives however if you find yourself touching the goalkeeper. Generally you might be pushing and also you don’t have extra fingers to go for the ball. We should be stronger. We’re not altering the principles, we’ve to adapt to the principles. Right now I believe we’re the higher staff.
We now have gamers to win any sport of the Premier League. We have to focus and overlook in regards to the noise. It doesn’t matter who’s enjoying, we need to win video games.
Manchester United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir fails to take care of an Arsenal nook – AP/Dave Thompson
07:03 PM BSTAmorim on the efficiency
I’m actually happy with the blokes. They had been actually courageous in the whole lot they did in the course of the sport. Congratulations for the efficiency. We deserved a unique end result and we have to transfer ahead to the following one.
We had been extra aggressive than final yr. We went one in opposition to one all the sport and we pressed excessive. We had high quality with the ball. Even when the stadium made some sounds, we continued to play the way in which we play.
You at all times really feel within the sport they’ll do one thing not simply with the ball however with out the ball. I’m happy with the sport we performed. We misplaced and have issues to work on.
We have to win video games however that was fully totally different to final season.
Ruben Amorim applauds the followers – Getty Pictures/Michael Regan
06:45 PM BSTFernandes on United’s efficiency
It’s the primary sport of the season so we can’t talk about a step forwards. We conceded a objective from a set piece early on however from then on Arsenal didn’t create any probabilities. We created numerous probabilities and didn’t rating so we’ve to do higher subsequent time. We managed the sport properly, we had been good on the ball.
We created some probabilities however we didn’t rating so that’s the principal damaging of the day. If you contact the goalkeeper and he can’t leap, that makes it troublesome for [Altay] Bayindir. We all know within the Premier League they don’t give a lot. Even when they’d a gathering with us saying that they’ll whistle extra if gamers block and don’t take a look at the ball however it’s extra of a saying.
06:44 PM BSTRoy Keane on Arsenal
It’s an necessary begin for Arsenal, particularly with the opposite massive groups doing so properly over the weekend. The second half wasn’t nice, I assumed it lacked high quality, however you are taking a win on the primary day of the season and transfer on.
06:41 PM BSTUnited win the shot rely by a substantial margin06:36 PM BSTDavid Raya talking post-match
The standard wasn’t there. We weren’t on our greatest day with the ball. Defensively we weren’t at our greatest, in order that was a tough struggle. We bought our objective within the first half with a nook and from there we simply fought till the top. Credit score to the boys for getting the clear sheet. We all know we might have misplaced the sport however soccer is like this. Days like that is when the three factors rely.
The save from Cunha was a tricky one. I don’t know the way I saved it to be sincere, it was so near my toes. Delighted to assist the staff to get the save and three factors.
06:25 PM BSTFT: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal have performed properly and misplaced at Previous Trafford on a number of events however immediately was the other. They’ve pinched these factors from United actually, after a staff efficiency that was a little bit of a stale pudding. Arsenal made foolish errors on the ball, struggled to counter-attack successfully and allowed United to dictate the sport. Cunha and Mbeumo had been spectacular, and the United efficiency bodes properly for his or her season. Arsenal defended their field manfully within the final 20 although, it have to be stated.
Arsenal’s French defender #02 William Saliba applauds followers on the pitch after the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Previous Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on August 17,
06:22 PM BST95 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Nonetheless time for an additional United assault or two and they will launch a free-kick ahead from simply inside their very own half. They search for Maguire on the diagonal, and the ball flicks behind for a United nook.
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire (centre) reacts in the course of the Premier League match at Previous Trafford, Manchester.
Is it written within the stars for Sesko to move residence?
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Saliba wins an necessary header earlier than the ball bounces awkwardly however into Raya’s arms.
06:21 PM BST94 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Two necessary contributions for Arsenal there: Lewis-Skelly boomed a header out of the world, and Havertz learn the flight of it to nip in entrance of De Ligt and win a free-kick. Two minutes to go.
06:20 PM BST92 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Saka likelihood! De Ligt blocks after Odegaard scooped a go into the field.
Arsenal nook, and they’re going to absolutely take this one quick. Or will they? They do certainly, however then Lewis-Skelly takes a unfastened contact on the midway line, and brings down Mbeumo. Arsenal racking up the yellows and an opportunity for United to place it into the mixer.
06:19 PM BST90 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
United have SIX minutes to seek out an equaliser. Loads of work for Arsenal to do. Timber has additionally been booked for time losing additionally.
06:17 PM BST89 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Final-ditch defending within the Arsenal field after Amad was discovered within the space. A ball whistled throughout the six-yard line however Saliba did brilliantly to slip in and make a deal with on Cunha. The ball then flicks off Sesko’s head and behind for an Arsenal objective kick. Shortly earlier than, Odegaard hacked the ball away. It has been ugly from Arsenal however they aren’t distant.
06:15 PM BST88 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Ahead come United once more, however Arsenal have adopted a strong form now. The house in behind that United attacked within the first half simply isn’t there in the intervening time.
Arsenal’s German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (C) is fouled by Manchester United’s English defender #05 Harry Maguire (R) in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Previous Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on August 17,
Sesko with nice hold-up play in opposition to Gabriel, earlier than Ugarte takes a ridiculous shot from 30 yards. Slashes the ball into the Stretford Finish, with the followers at that finish livid. He had runners to his proper.
06:13 PM BST85 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Maguire helps preserve Arsenal penned in and United are cranking up the strain, however Timber does ever so properly to scrap and wriggle out of strain earlier than being hacked down by Dorgu. Yellow card for the United wing-back, after which Raya is booked for taking his time.
06:10 PM BST83 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal have a nook, however Rice’s effort was his final act of the sport: Mikel Merino replaces him. Rice has appeared a shadow of himself at instances, however he’s not alone in that.
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Saka’s supply is just too deep and Timber is penalised for a foul.
06:09 PM BST81 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal have a free-kick in a harmful place and get the possibility of a breather. Ugarte with a giveaway in his personal half, and Maguire brings down Havertz. The free-kick is round 25 yards out, proper of centre. Seems extra of a crossing place, however Rice would possibly attempt to go across the wall.
Deflected off the wall, and into the facet netting for a nook.
06:07 PM BST79 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Scary second for the Arsenal defence as Zubimendi misses his kick within the field. Then Raya claims a cross as Lewis-Skelly tangled with Amad, however not sufficient in it to be a penalty. Rice then miscues a simple go to Madueke.
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Harry Maguire is approaching for Shaw. Is he going to play up entrance? He would possibly do in the previous couple of minutes.
A difficult scenario for Manchester United supporters to digest in the intervening time. Whereas their staff nonetheless path, they’ve misplaced none of their pre-match optimism, largely due to the influence of the summer season signings. Swapping out Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo has been the equal of changing service-station fare with Michelin-standard delicacies.
06:04 PM BST76 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
That was higher from Arsenal on the regain; Havertz, Saka and Timber serving to them transfer up the pitch and win a throw within the United half. They’re posing little or no risk as an attacking pressure, although. It seems like they’ve accepted it is a subpar efficiency and need to maintain out.
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Odegaard is getting a bit overrun in midfield, seems drained. Amad cuts inside and shoots however it’s straight at Raya.
06:01 PM BST73 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
One other Arsenal transfer breaks down with out an effort on objective when Havertz performed in Timber on the overlap. The away staff simply haven’t picked their passes our timed their runs when there was house to assault.
Massive save Raya! Mbeumo’s header plucked away from the underside nook. It was a free header off Lewis-Skelly from a Dorgu cross however the Arsenal goalkeeper was equal to it.
Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo rues a missed likelihood in the course of the Premier League match at Previous Trafford, Manchester
05:58 PM BST70 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
The United followers are on their toes for Bryan Mbeumo and rightfully so. Nice play from the previous Brentford man, skipping into the penalty space after nice work in midfield however a mixture of Gabriel and Calafiori bought in his approach. Did Amad additionally crowd him out.
Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo (left) and Arsenal’s Gabriel battle for the ball in the course of the Premier League match at Previous Trafford, Manchester. Image date: Sunday August 17, 2025.
The United gamers should not completely satisfied that Ben White is down and receiving some remedy. They assume he’s enjoying for time.
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However his race does look run: Timber and Lewis-Skelly are about to interchange Calafiori and White within the full-back positions.
05:55 PM BST68 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Amad and Cunha combining properly for United down the precise, and Zubimendi’s clearance struck his personal hand within the field however that’s by no means going to be given as a penalty. Positive deal with from Saliba on Cunha, certainly one of his finest interventions of the sport.
05:53 PM BST65 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Rice’s shot is blocked after being teed up by Madueke. Arsenal’s method play was neater within the build-up.
Right here comes Sesko: the striker and Ugarte substitute Mount and Casemiro.
Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko runs on the pitch in the course of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Previous Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Havertz desires a foul close to the nook flag however Hooper tells him to stand up.
“Too s— for Arsenal,” chant the Arsenal followers as Benjamin Sesko comes on to make his Manchester United debut. Unsure Mikel Arteta agrees with that even when Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres as a substitute, who has had a quiet sport earlier than being taken off. Will the Arsenal followers remorse that little bit of goading?
05:50 PM BST62 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Not a lot has labored on this Arsenal efficiency, however nonetheless they lead. They’re struggling to spring counter-attacks once they do regain possession.
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Benjamin Sesko is warming up on the touchline, so United followers would possibly quickly get a glimpse of their new man.
Havertz leads one other Arsenal counter-attack, however as soon as once more Rice runs by means of the center the place there is no such thing as a passing angle.
Truthful to say there’s not an excessive amount of love for Viktor Gyokeres right here as he departs after an underwhelming Premier League debut. The Swede rejected Manchester United over the summer season in favour of Arsenal, snubbing his former Sporting Lisbon supervisor Ruben Amorim, and the Previous Trafford followers don’t seem significantly enamoured of his alternative.
05:47 PM BST60 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
It seems like Arsenal are attempting one thing totally different with their wingers on this sport, Martinelli and Saka are fairly slim when possession adjustments hand however they’re crowding themselves out.
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Arteta making his first adjustments: Havertz replaces Gyokeres, and Madueke is on for Martinelli.
Gyoekeres struggled to make a lot of an impression – Getty Pictures/Michael Regan
There may be the distinction, thus far. United stick a free-kick into precisely the identical space of the penalty space as Arsenal did for his or her objective however, this time, David Raya punched clear and caught Matthijs de Ligt within the course of.
05:45 PM BST58 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Cunha and Mbeumo have performed Saliba and Gabriel at their very own half and brought it to the Arsenal centre-backs bodily, and they’re ruffled. That was glorious goalkeeping from Raya; in stark distinction to Bayindir from an identical scenario within the first half.
05:44 PM BST56 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
An attacking change from Amorim who makes his first sub: Amad replaces Dalot at proper wing-back. I believe which may herald the sub of Calafiori who’s enjoying on a yellow.
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That’s higher from United: Mbeumo threatens to interrupt clear by means of however Gabriel simply does sufficient to race again and win a shoulder-to-shoulder. Then Cunha reveals his power to win a foul from Saliba close to the nook flag.
Raya did properly to palm clear beneath strain.
05:41 PM BST54 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
United haven’t fairly managed to seek out the identical rhythm since half time. Fernandes tries to succeed in the ball within the space, however catches Gabriel and concedes a foul. Raya decides to go lengthy. That could be the best choice for Arsenal given a few of their clunky build-up play. However Rice is penalised for a foul.
Mason Mount of Manchester United seems dejected in the course of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Previous Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England.
05:40 PM BST52 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
That was clumsy from Gyokeres after Odegaard launched him with a by means of ball into the left channel. The Previous Trafford crowd loved him standing on the ball as he tried to chop inside and shoot. Gabriel is then penalised for a foul in an aerial problem with Cunha.
05:37 PM BST49 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Dorgu has proved outlet for United down their left, however after one other low cross is cleared Mount stabs a shot harmlessly large. Arsenal then achieve some territory by means of Odegaard and Saka, and United have a throw deep in their very own half.
05:35 PM BST47 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
A little bit stunned Arteta has not appeared to his subs on the break, however possibly he desires to present this XI an opportunity to make things better, even in a sport they lead. The fear for United is that they did not capitalise on what was a robust first half efficiency. De Ligt and Gyokeres battling once more, this time the foul goes the way in which of the United defender.
05:32 PM BSTWe are again beneath approach within the second half
No adjustments from both supervisor: Sesko stays on the bench for United, whereas Calafiori have to be cautious on a yellow card.
05:29 PM BSTArsenal from a nook again05:23 PM BSTOdegaard talking at half-time interview
They’ve high quality, actually good gamers up entrance. We allow them to play too simply. There may be quite a lot of house once we get the ball to counter we simply should be extra correct. It has been too hectic, we have to management the ball and be extra compact off the ball.
05:18 PM BSTHT: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
A scoreline that doesn’t actually inform the story of the primary 45 minutes. Arsenal have been nervous and error-prone on the again, and United ought to take encouragement from how they’ve fed Mbeumo and Cunha in harmful positions. They path although, as a result of Bayindir did not take care of an inswinging Rice nook. Regardless of the rating, I’d not be stunned to see half-time adjustments from Arteta. Havertz and Timber look good candidates to return on.
Though Arsenal are 1-0 up the story thus far has been about Manchester United. What’s the purpose of spending all that cash on a new-look assault – and with extra to return with Benjamin Sesko on the bench – with out addressing the evident problem of goalkeeper? Andre Onana is out, injured, and isn’t adequate. His deputy Altay Bayindir actually isn’t. Actually the perfect goalkeeper within the squad at current is 39-year-old Tom Heaton.
05:16 PM BST45 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Gyokeres reveals his power once more in opposition to De Ligt however he has not seen sufficient of the ball on this half. Only a minute of stoppage time to play. Gyokeres then makes one other good spin however overhits his cross out for a throw.
05:15 PM BST44 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
United with the ball within the Arsenal field once more with Mount and Cunha combining however neither might work the room for the shot. The house staff don’t need to go in behind, however that might be scant comfort. Mount has been superb.
Manchester United v Arsenal – Previous Trafford, Manchester, Britain – August 17, 2025 Manchester United’s Mason Mount in motion with Arsenal’s William Saliba
05:12 PM BST41 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
A brief spell of Arsenal strain, however first Odegaard after which Ben White fail to attach cleanly with their photographs after a nook.
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Then Calafiori wrestles with Mbeumo and is booked for a foul. The defender was just too tight to the United man and he pulled him again.
05:10 PM BST39 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal in a promising place on the counter-attack however Martinelli’s run was not adequate to supply Odegaard a go.
Then United go shut once more! Cunha too sturdy for the Arsenal defence, and he poked a shot in the direction of the far nook together with his left foot, however Raya bought down sharply to make a implausible finger tip save.
05:08 PM BST38 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
No marvel Mikel Arteta seems agitated. Regardless of their lead, Arsenal appear extremely prone defensively, gifting Patrick Dorgu an ocean of house to unleash a shot that grazes the surface of the far submit. Moments later, they permit Matheus Cunha clear by means of. There’s a creeping sense of chaos on the again, with David Raya left repeatedly uncovered.
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline in the course of the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal in Manchester
05:06 PM BST36 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Odegaard has been the one Arsenal participant with out his laces tied collectively thus far. He glides previous a few challenges earlier than his bouncing shot is saved by Bayindir.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal shoots in the course of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Previous Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England
Gyokeres is then flagged offside when Odegaard tried to seek out him with a by means of ball.
05:04 PM BST33 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
There may be inexperienced grass for Arsenal to counter-attack into, and Martinelli missed his kick with an tried scissored volley.
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Then United punch again, with Cunha barrelling his approach between Zubimendi and Rice after which Gabriel, however Saliba pressured him large and the shot was straight at Raya.
Cunha then has one other shot from vary from an Mbeumo set-back, however it’s straight on the goalkeeper. Arsenal’s centre-backs struggling to win sufficient first contacts.
05:01 PM BST31 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal are flattered by the scoreline, they’ve struggled to do the fundamentals all through the staff. Gabriel sends a go straight of play, earlier than Martinelli passes a ball straight out of play when there was an opportunity to interrupt.
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Then Dorgu clips the submit! Cracking strike throughout Raya from 25 yards. The goalkeeper was crushed, nice effort.
Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu reacts after lacking an opportunity to attain
04:59 PM BST28 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Promising play from United once more with Mount switching the play to Mbeumo, who slipped in Dalot on the overlap however the flag went up for offside. As play continued, Saliba kicked contemporary air. He’s having a a proper battle thus far. The group are getting aggravated with some perceived delaying ways by Arsenal.
04:57 PM BST26 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Odegaard receives the ball in an excellent place between the traces however his go is reduce out and United break.
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Mbeumo slicing inside from the precise as he likes to do to shoot from the sting of the D, however his shot was deflected behind for a nook. Arsenal clear.
The guests then come ahead with an assault of their very own however Martinelli’s shot was tame.
04:55 PM BST24 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Saliba dribbles into midfield and loses the ball once more; it has been a uncharacteristically nervy begin from the defender.
Then Raya stumbles over the ball in his field, and Mbeumo virtually robs him. Half-hearted appeals for a penalty.
Arsenal could be main however they’re asking for bother on this sport. They’re struggling to manage possession and look jumpy.
04:52 PM BST20 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
De Ligt fouls Gyokeres on the midway line. Then Saliba virtually runs himself into bother however Arsenal get away it. Good transfer from the away staff involving Martinelli and Calafiori however the latter was offside.
04:49 PM BST18 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal have not likely bought their passing sport going, however that was stylish from Odegaard. He nutmegged Casemiro after which drew a late problem from Luke Shaw.
August 17, 2025 Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard in motion with Manchester United’s Casemiro
Hooper has been lenient for each groups; no reserving as soon as once more. Rice over the free-kick in a crossing place, however this time Bayindir catches it.
04:47 PM BST16 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal could be main on this sport, however they aren’t enjoying significantly properly and United are asking questions. Fernandes makes a deep run to the sting of the field, tracked by Zubimendi, and the Arsenal man fouled him with an aerial problem.
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Taking pictures likelihood from the free-kick. A yard exterior the field, simply exterior the field. Mbeumo and Fernandes over it. The Arsenal wall stands agency.
“Set-piece once more” chant the celebrating Arsenal followers however, my, what terrible goalkeeping from Altay Bayindir. The Manchester United No 2 has been recognized as a weak hyperlink and Arsenal have exploited it. And the United hierarchy imagine they don’t want one other goalkeeper with query marks over Andre Onana who’s out injured. At current Manchester Metropolis have a transparent run at signing PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. United have to put in a telephone name to his agent having considered making an attempt to signal Donnarumma earlier in the summertime.
Some issues are blindingly apparent…. Arsenal wanted a centre-forward for years…. Manchester United want a goalkeeper…. some recruitment selections (or failure to recruit) are really baffling. And with that objective Arsenal have knocked the wind out of United.
04:45 PM BSTGOOOALLL! Calafiori scores for Arsenal in opposition to the run of play
Arsenal strike from a nook once more, and it was a unnecessary one to present away after a sloppy Fernandes go in his personal field. Rice offered the inswinger proper on prime of Bayindir, who was weak. Saliba merely stood his floor and Calafiori nodded in from a yard. United’s good work undone.
04:42 PM BST11 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
That was higher from Arsenal. From the nook, Odegaard launched Saka with a fast by means of ball and the winger was poised to interrupt into the field however Mount produced an important problem to win the ball cleanly. Ben White the offers Arsenal’s second lengthy throw of the sport. United make a hash of coping with it, however they finally clear their traces.
Arsenal’s Gabriel may be very fortunate there. He clearly pulls again Bryan Mbeumo as he tried to run into the penalty space. It was missed by the officers. Not a crimson card offence so can’t be picked up by VAR. One more flaw within the system.
04:40 PM BST9 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
The Previous Trafford crowd are enthused by this begin, and are kicking each ball and howling for each determination. Saliba fouls Dorgu, and there are loud appeals for a reserving however Hooper retains his playing cards in his pocket.
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Dorgu is then picked out by a diagonal go to the left, and Ben White concedes a nook. United on prime in the intervening time.
Fernandes’ supply was too crazy and Raya claimed with ease.
Very, very early days however there already feels way more aggression and positivity to the way in which Manchester United are enjoying. The difference-maker in the intervening time is Bryan Mbeumo who’s standing out together with his positivity and want to run in behind. To finish the watch on notable names in attendance, Arsenal’s co-chairman Josh Kroenke has additionally taken a seat within the administrators field.
04:38 PM BST7 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
A glimpse there of what Gyokeres provides Arsenal: spinning into the precise channel and holding off De Ligt to present Ben White an choice for a direct ball ahead. Shaw bought again in and bought a foot to the ball.
Mount then performs a stunning ball in behind for the run of Mbeumo, however Saliba confirmed him on to his proper foot and his shot was saved simply by Raya. Then Rice bought away with a unfastened go close to his personal field.
Odegaard fouls Fernandes after which Zubimendi fouls Cunha. United are feeding their two 10s early on.
Free-kick taken quick, however Dorgu blasts large from distance.
04:35 PM BST4 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
The sport has began at a frantic tempo. Saliba dallied briefly in his personal field however ushered the ball safely again to Raya in the long run.
Manchester United v Arsenal – Previous Trafford, Manchester, Britain – August 17, 2025 Arsenal’s William Saliba in motion with Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo
Good ball ahead from back-up goalkeeper Bayindir to seek out Mount. Then United have one other foray down the left however White defends in opposition to Dorgu. Mount is enjoying left with Cunha the nominal centre-forward. The White fouls Dorgu. Snappy sufficient begin from the house staff, however early days.
04:33 PM BST2 minutes: Manchester United 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal achieve some territory straight from kick-off, with Raya going lengthy and the ball bouncing in United’s field. Calafiori tries an extended throw however Yoro heads clear.
Then Mbeumo spins with an excellent piece of management to set United on the counter-attack, however Ben White reads play to intercept.
Mbeumo did catch Zubimendi within the face, nevertheless it was extra of a straight arm. VAR takes no additional motion.
04:30 PM BSTKICK OFF!
After a minute’s silence in reminiscence of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, Arsenal get the sport began.
The groups carry out a tribute to late Liverpool participant Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva firstly of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Previous Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on August 17, 2025.
Previous Trafford has been a dismal place for the previous couple of seasons, with angst and apathy all over the place. Issues are extra buoyant in the intervening time, with the followers in good voice within the sunshine.
04:29 PM BSTAmorim making his place clear
Ruben Amorim’s determination to jettison Rasmus Hojlund from the matchday squad feels symbolic, an indication that Manchester United are past tolerating rank mediocrity. You would possibly name it ruthless, provided that the Dane’s loyalty to the membership has but to waver, however his pitiful return of 4 Premier League objectives final season, when he was persistently accessible, has lastly caught up with him. Coupled with the exile of the equally overpriced Antony and Jadon Sancho, it appears, not earlier than time, that the membership are demanding extra of a return on their funding.
04:25 PM BSTThe gamers are on their approach out of the tunnel
Right here we go then. The marquee fixture of the opening weekend is upon us. The England supervisor is protecting his eye on a couple of…
Additionally in attendance at Previous Trafford, having simply made his approach into the administrators field, is Thomas Tuchel. The England supervisor will, specifically, be involved in seeing how Mason Mount fares if certainly he’s used as a ‘false 9’ by Manchester United. Additionally beginning are Luke Shaw and Ben White and it is going to be fascinating if both makes it again into the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Andorra and – crucially – Serbia. Two different starters, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, are certainties after all.
04:18 PM BSTA former United participant amongst Arsenal’s staff04:18 PM BSTSome somewhat loud warm-up tops on show
Matheus Cunha is certainly one of Manchester United’s new additions – Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Martin Zubimendi warms up for Arsenal – AP/Dave Thompson
04:05 PM BSTMikel Arteta welcomes elevated competitors for locations
I’m very excited in regards to the season and immediately we begin with an excellent alternative right here at Previous Trafford. We all know what this sport goes to demand, very enthusiastic about what’s coming.
What a spot, what a historical past, what a stadium to play the primary sport. Prepared for it.
[On what Gyokeres will bring] Actually objectives, that’s his principal high quality and he brings a worry issue as properly due to the risk he brings the opposition.
Very aggressive [options at full-back], however in lots of positions it will be like this and that’s the case for any of the groups combating for the highest positions within the league. We needed to make that development and I believe we’re in place.
03:59 PM BSTAmorim talking: Says Onana’s absence a range determination
It’s actually necessary, you possibly can promote that to the gamers and the followers, however we all know what we’re doing. Three factors immediately, particularly at residence we need to win the sport. We all know that not the whole lot goes to vary in 4 weeks however we’re making steps which are actually necessary for the long run.
[On Sesko not starting] To start with, we attempt to use a beginning XI fascinated by additionally the top of the sport, and balancing that. Ben had an excellent week nevertheless it is only one week. We now have to recollect for 5 days he was not coaching, there’s quite a lot of emotion, altering nations, tradition, signing a contract, new folks. The primary impression is absolutely necessary so let the man quiet down.
[On no Hojlund or Onana] It’s an choice. We strive to decide on the perfect gamers for every sport and subsequent week is a unique life. He recovered [Onana] however the different guys did so properly in pre-season.
Ruben Amorim has made some fascinating calls – Getty Pictures/Ash Donelon
03:48 PM BSTNew Arsenal signing Noni Madueke
He’s alongside Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri on Arsenal’s bench. By the way, there is no such thing as a Christian Norgaard within the squad. We wait to right here if that could be a knock or a range name. Jakub Kiwior can also be absent, and the identical goes for the likes of Reiss Nelson, and Oleksandr Zinchenko. You may see why Arsenal may have a couple of to go if they’re so as to add another.
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Noni Madueke and Ethan Nwaneri – Getty Pictures/Alex Dodd
03:26 PM BSTThe staff information analysed
Trying on the two choices, I believe Arteta has been extra aggressive. Slightly than use Amad Diallo as a wing-back, Amorim has gone for Diogo Dalot on the precise, whereas Benjamin Sesko begins from the bench. He joined the membership on August 9 so a comfortable touchdown isn’t fully sudden. Casemiro is alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield with Mason Mount probably working as a false 9. Cunha and Mbeumo are additionally succesful to popping up within the centre-forward place, although. As anticipated, Bayindir as a substitute of Onana in objective.
For Arsenal, the primary name was Gyokeres or Havertz and Arteta has chosen his new, stick-on striker forward of the all-round contribution of Havertz.
I additionally assume it’s fascinating that White and Calafiori, Arsenal’s two full-backs most comfy on the overlap, have been chosen. In opposition to a staff with two central midfielders, certainly one of whom is known as a No 10, there is no such thing as a want for an inverted full-back inside.
White and Calafiori may need some edgy moments defensively, although. Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly, each on the bench, are the 2 extra agile one-on-one defenders.
03:17 PM BSTArsenal staff and subs: Gyokeres begins, White and Calafiori the full-backs
Beginning XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Madueke, Havertz.
03:16 PM BSTManchester United staff and subs: No Onana in squad, Sesko on bench03:08 PM BSTAvram Glazer in attendance
Avram Glazer is at Previous Trafford for Manchester United’s opening Premier League sport at residence to Arsenal. The membership’s co-owner and co-chairman has simply been escorted by means of the press field by chief govt Omar Berrada. It was final August that Glazer made his first go to to the stadium for a match in virtually two years and it is going to be fascinating to see what reception he receives from the followers.
02:57 PM BSTSome early staff information
In accordance with stories, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has not recovered from a hamstring harm and it absent from the squad. Altay Bayindir will deputise, who was United’s penalty shoot-out hero on the Emirates within the FA Cup final season. He additionally saved from Martin Odegaard in the course of the 90 minutes.
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard has his penalty saved by Manchester United’s Altay Bayindir – Reuters/David Klein
02:55 PM BSTArsenal will likely be sporting their third package immediately
White with maroon trimmings. It seems sensible however for some followers a white package will at all times been too redolent of Spurs. On this fixture, it calls to thoughts Owen Hargreaves scoring a free-kick at Previous Trafford in April 2008 which successfully completed Arsenal’s title problem. That got here days after Arsenal had been knocked out of the Champions League at Anfield in the identical strip, a sport which featured *that* Theo Walcott run from inside his personal half to tee up Emmanuel Adebayor.
Arsenal’s third package for this season – Getty Pictures/Stuart MacFarlane
Owen Hargreaves scores the winner in 2008 with a free-kick – Getty Pictures/Clive Brunskill
02:44 PM BSTThe new pop up pub is doing commerce
United residence this space behind the Stretford Finish can develop into like a fanzone at tournaments. Unsure what number of pints followers have to drink to boost the funds for Carlos Baleba, however they’ll have enjoyable making an attempt.
It seems a properly obtained initiative, with followers decked out in new gear and excited for the season. When the electrical heaters are damaged in November amid a run of 1 win in 5, we’ll see.
Manchester United followers at a pop up pub exterior the stadium – Reuters/Peter Powell
Common view of Manchester United followers at a pop up pub exterior the stadium earlier than the match
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02:36 PM BSTRead Jamie Carragher’s column on Amorim, United and Arsenal
Arteta, in the meantime, finds himself in the identical territory as a yr in the past, with the demand to make the ultimate step from second to first intensifying. For Arsenal, it feels like several early setback has the potential to trigger an implosion because the frustrations of the previous few years spill over.
The fast expectation upon Arteta is to show he generally is a Premier League winner; the fast expectation upon Amorim is to show he’s a Premier League-standard supervisor.
02:32 PM BSTBuild your dream team02:30 PM BSTAmorim and Arteta beneath the microscope for various causes
Good afternoon and welcome to our reside protection of Manchester United vs Arsenal, a Premier League opening weekend fixture neither membership would have chosen however neutrals will welcome.
That stated, each league conferences between Ruben Amorim and Mikel Arteta’s groups final season had been pretty drab contests with each golf equipment centered on European commitments. Arsenal claimed 4 factors, however had David Raya to thank for scraping a draw at Previous Trafford whereas United dumped them out of the FA Cup on penalties.
Amorim adopted a conservative method to these video games, defending deep in a 5-4-1 with Arsenal struggling to create a lot from open play. With the summer season additions of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United must be extra menacing in assault and there’s absolutely an onus on them to show progress with a extra expansive plan.
That carries a danger although, with Arsenal’s signings Viktor Gyokeres (a former Amorim participant at Sporting) and Noni Madueke providing larger working energy and velocity in transition. The north London membership signed off pre-season with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, the place Martin Zubimendi was very spectacular on the coronary heart of midfield.
Sesko was linked with Arsenal repeatedly, so the fortunes of the 2 centre-forwards guarantees to be one of many theme’s of the sport even when neither is definite to start out. Sesko was a late arrival whereas Arteta loves to choose Kai Havertz within the largest matches.
Each squads look stronger than the second half of final season, however even probably the most one-eyed United followers are reasonable sufficient to know the groups have totally different aspirations. There may be strain on Arteta and Arsenal to recover from the road and win the title, whereas United have to persuade folks they’re a coherent staff who can problem for Europe.
Full staff information on the way in which shortly.