Manchester United's 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 season was their worst in the Premier League, not since their relegation in 1974. Manager Ruben Amorim has not made excuses, but instead, has suggested that a few key signings could help change the team's fortunes.
One of those signings may have been expected to be Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, who had a successful stint under Amorim. However, Arsenal acquired his signature instead. Gyokeres' 97 goals in 102 games in all competitions made him a highly sought-after player, and his abilities in front of goal could be a major factor in how well each team does this season.
Another key player in this match is Benjamin Sesko, who has joined Manchester United. Sesko's 39 goals and eight assists in 87 performances for RB Leipzig are an elite level return, and his abilities in front of goal could also decide the outcome of the match.
Sesko has a unique routine for getting in the zone for games, which includes meditating at least once a day and taking deliberate breaks to rest. He also reads books on the subject and tries new exercises, which he believes are just as important as training with the team or in the gym.
Both Manchester United and Arsenal have strengthened significantly this summer, with the Gunners finishing second in the past three Premier League campaigns. They have added several new players, including Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Manchester United has also made several signings, including Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha, and Diego Leon. The Red Devils have not beaten Arsenal at Old Trafford in almost three years, and they will be looking to break that streak on Sunday.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last 14 away games, with seven wins and seven draws. They have scored 14 goals on their last 11 visits to the Theatre of Dreams, and will be looking to continue their winning streak on Sunday.
The match is shaping up to be a closely contested affair, with both teams having a lot to play for. The outcome could be decided by the abilities of Sesko and Gyokeres in front of goal, as well as the teams' overall performance and strategy.
An omen for the home support is that on the only other occasion these two Premier League behemoths have met on the opening day of the season at Old Trafford (1989/90), United triumphed 4-1.
Ultimately, the outcome of the match will depend on a combination of factors, including the teams' performances, the abilities of their players, and a bit of luck. It promises to be an exciting and closely contested match that will have a significant impact on both teams' seasons.
The Red Devils have lost only two of the last 18 Premier League home games against Arsenal, with both of those losses coming under Mikel Arteta's stewardship. If they were to emerge victorious on Sunday, they would become the first club in English football history to beat the Gunners 100 times.
Manchester United would also have managed back-to-back wins thanks to their final day triumph last season against Aston Villa, after being unable to manage two consecutive victories throughout the 2024/25 campaign under both Erik ten Hag and Amorim.
