Man Utd vs Arsenal: Time and Where To Watch Familiar Foes Battle at Old Trafford

The English Premier League is back on and the pick of the bunch for this weekend is the epic clash between Manchester United and Arsenal.

Old Trafford will play host for a blockbuster opening weekend clash as Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in what is the pick of the bunch for the opening  weekend of the English Premier League. 

This isn't just a game; it's a litmus test for two clubs with monumental ambitions and a fresh look to their attacks. For both, a win on Sunday is a statement of intent for the new season. Neither side will want to begin one of the most storied rivalries in the league on a backfoot. 

Team News and Key Players

Hosts Manchester United will be looking to bury the ghost of last season’s shambolic showings, where they placed 15th-place—a stunning fall from grace for a club that was so dominant under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign but fans will be hoping that the massive summer overhaul provides Reuben Amorim the much needed tools to execute his philosophy this term. 

The return of goalkeeper Andre Onana and striker Joshua Zirkzee, who have both recovered from pre-season injuries provides some good news for United. However, the Red Devils will be without defensive stalwarts Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui, both of whom are ruled out due to injury. 

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the new-look front line of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, all of whom are set to make their competitive debuts and will be expected to hit the ground running.

The Gunners arrive at the Theatre of Dreams with the unwanted medal of three consecutive second-place finishes firmly tied round their necks. Mikel Arteta’s squad have a relatively clean bill of health– with the exception of Gabriel Jesus who is sidelined through injury. 

It will be an exciting contest for fans to see who comes out on top in the strikers battle as summer acquisition Viktor Gyokeres and his opposite number Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal have also recruited talented midfielder Martin Zubimendi who will provide a new dynamic to their attack and midfield, respectively. 

However, the Gunners will be looking to big-game players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and captain Martin Odegaard to provide the creative spark. Mikel Arteta has a few selection decisions to make, particularly at full-back, where Jurrien Timber is pushing Ben White for a starting spot.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Manchester United have the overall edge with 99 wins to Arsenal's 90 in 243 meetings, with 55 ending in stalemates across all competitions. However, recent history tells a different story, the Gunners have triumphed six times in the last 10 Premier League meetings, with two ending all square. 

Their last Premier League meeting at Old Trafford ended in a 1-1 draw in March, while their last encounter in any competition saw United knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup on penalties in January. United will be desperate to make a mark and secure their 100th win over Arsenal in all competitions—a milestone they've been waiting for.

Tactical Battle

It will be fascinating to see who comes out on top in the tactical battle between Amorim's new 3-4-3 system and Arteta's well-drilled and preferred 4-3-3 set-up. 

The midfield duel will be crucial, with Arsenal's Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi likely to go toe-to-toe with United’s Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. The pace of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks for Arsenal will be a constant threat, and United's new-look defence will need to be at its best. 

United will look to exploit spaces behind Arsenal's high-pressing line with quick transitions, while Arsenal will aim to control possession and patiently break down Amorim's back three. The performances of the new strikers, Sesko and Gyokeres, will be a key deciding factor. 

For United, the pressure is immense. They must show that last season's nightmare is firmly in the past and that their new signings can deliver. For Arsenal, the goal is simple: start strong and lay down an early marker in the title race. Expect a fiery encounter but this is likely to end in a goalless draw or a 1-1 stalemate.

Time and Where to Watch

The match is scheduled for 4:30 PM Nigerian time on Sunday August 17th and will be televised on Supersport on DsTV.