The stage is set for a truly mouth-watering curtain-raiser to the 2025/26 Premier League season, with Manchester United welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford this Sunday.
After a demanding five-game pre-season that took place in Sweden, the United States, and a triumphant Snapdragon Cup win on home soil, Ruben Amorim’s men are eager to begin their campaign in style.
United remain unbeaten over the summer, having picked up victories against West Ham and Bournemouth, and earning hard-fought draws with Leeds United, Everton, and Fiorentina.
The performances have given fans a glimpse of an attacking unit that could cause real damage this term.
Adding to the anticipation, both sides are poised to unleash high-profile summer signings.
Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo are all pushing for their competitive debuts in United colours.
Across the pitch, Arsenal’s big-money recruits Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke could be handed the chance to impress on day one.
However, the build-up hasn’t been without its injury question marks.
United’s camp has been closely monitoring the fitness of certain stars, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been managing a few issues of his own – and now, the Gunners’ manager lifted the lid on one in particular.
Arteta addressed speculation surrounding Belgian forward Leandro Trossard, who missed Arsenal’s final two pre-season fixtures with a groin injury. His message was a positive one: “I think he’s going to be [okay] in a few days, yes, a little niggle in the groin.
“But he should be fine,” Arteta explained as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
The Spaniard’s update means Leandro Trossard is expected to make the matchday squad for Sunday, although a starting role remains unlikely.
Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are seen as the likelier options from the off, with Trossard potentially deployed as an impact substitute.
Aside from the absence of Gabriel Jesus, still recovering from a serious knee injury, Arsenal’s squad is otherwise close to full strength – but whether that will be enough to stop an in-form United at Old Trafford is another question entirely.
