Manchester United - Arsenal 17-08-25

What a start we're getting at Old Trafford this season! Arsenal themselves are visiting in the first round of the league, and Manchester United are given a golden opportunity to prove that last year's season was just a cold snap. A season where the freight train derailed, and no one was able to pull the old greatness back on the rails. The season was being saved in a way with a Europa League triumph, but Tottenham became too strong. Thus, Amorim was left on the bare ground, and 15th place in the league got a whole press corps to sharpen their knives. However, the club has been struggling under its new manager, and he now gets a new opportunity to prove what he can do. And it's not just the man at the helm who gets another chance, the players also get the opportunity to convince the critics, and show that such a table position is not something you can be known for. New faces on the training ground help, but more on that later. Arsenal, for their part, have got a new striker this season, and also a new left winger. This, along with a reinforcement in midfield, could be what is needed to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City this season. And not just challenge. No. Arteta now has to win something. That's how brutal it is. Arsenal's manager is a capable gentleman, but nothing is being won. It's simply not good enough, and the question is whether this isn't the season where they absolutely have to break that streak. Arsenal will be a force to be reckoned with in this edition of the mighty Premier League.

Manchester United - An ever so small identity crisis

For Manchester United is an institution in English football. A huge brand, and with a fierce history. The trophy cabinets are filled to the brim, and club legends literally spill out of the corridors. But then it stopped. Sir Alex decided that enough was enough, and with it much of the culture and identity also disappeared. For the Scotsman did not accept any nonsense. Here there was structure and thick rule books, for everything from diet to matchday attire. There was no room for personal preferences and no room for inflated egos and whiny superstars. No, the manager decided, and mercy on you if you did not agree. Just ask David Beckham if Sir Alex was round around the edges and easy to move once he had made up his mind. The consequence was a tough environment, including a family that everyone worked for each other. Manchester United was a fortress, and it was almost impossible to penetrate. The league titles came sailing, and the club made a list of potential challengers. They were simply miles ahead in development than everyone else. Now it's 2025 and the same club is lagging behind the other big clubs in the Premier League. So what happened?

Part of the explanation is this with identity and culture. If you were a United player under Sir Alex, you were the best in your profession. You knew exactly what to do, and the expectations of you were set in stone. The powerful manager kept you under his big wings, and you were thus in a place where everything was in place to perform. It simply worked. But, can you recreate something like that? Many have tried since then, and no one has succeeded. The culture has disappeared, and egos have taken over. The list is endlessly long of players who have come to the club in the last ten years, and had their careers almost ruined. You can't do it, and you play alongside others who only think about their own paychecks and their own Instagram accounts. This spreads throughout the club, and what took years to build was torn down in record time.

It is clear that when such a bad culture takes root, it will not be easy for new managers to come in and perform either. And to put it bluntly, the club has won cups in recent years, but that is not where the list lies for Manchester United. It is about being the best in the domestic league, and you should also preferably win the Champions League every now and then too. The demands are high, but when you do not go in the same direction it becomes hopeless. Many a big manager name has felt that hopelessness. Amorim is thus last in line, and with a real task ahead of him this season. The league will not be won, but can you get among the top teams again then? Without knowing the club's season goals, I would think that a CL place would have been a fantastic achievement. The question is whether something like that is needed for the positivity to return.

United have cleared out a lot of weeds now. Selfish players have been shown the door, and new bosses have arrived. Bryan Mbeumo seems outwardly to be the type of person you want to have in any club. Serious, positive and inclusive. You really shouldn't underestimate the effect of having good people around you, and in a performance group you need to have these characters. Those who make others better. Those who make your teammates smile and laugh, and those who create culture. If they are now building in this direction, I think the club is on the right track. Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo. This is undoubtedly an upgrade. We'll see over the course of the season whether these guys are up to the task, but it seems obvious that they are addressing the problem. United could end up higher in the table this year, so it remains to be seen whether it will be high enough for demanding fans and demanding owners. Amorim probably feels the pressure even before the first kick of the ball.

Arsenal – Now Arteta must deliver the goods

Because if Amorim feels the pressure, his colleague at Arsenal probably does the same. Arsenal have taken big steps in recent seasons, but they don't have a lot to show for their hard work. Yes, they are now a fixture in the Champions League, and there are several really good ball players at the club, but they haven't managed to take the last step. The internet is overflowing with funny pictures and punchlines highlighting the club's trophy drought, and even the most die-hard Arsenal supporter must be starting to get a little impatient now. Will it never come? Arsenal and Arteta simply have to deliver this season. The fans deserve it.

For a long time, criticism has been directed at the lack of a pure number 9 at the top. Many different approaches have been tried, but this goal-scoring guarantor has somehow been lacking. The upturn came this summer when they finally managed to land their man. Viktor Gyökeres was brought to London, and the hope is now that the Swede will shoot the Gunners to gold. There is a big burden on the shoulders of the tall striker. But there is no doubt that it was a necessity. The doubt will probably be whether this was the right man. We probably won't get the answer until around Christmas time, but for now optimism prevails. The matter has been relieved at the top, and just as it was, Madueke also appeared from Chelsea. A more poisonous attacking trio, and perhaps more contributions from the left side than what Martinelli has achieved.

In the middle, Zubimendi has arrived. This is a class signing for the club. Together with Rice and our own Martin Ødegaard, you now have a three-way tie that can potentially compete with the very best. If Arsenal can get these to click, as well as get Gyökeres warm in the shirt in the shortest possible time, then things could taste like a bird in Arsenal again. There are not many teams in the Premier League that have a better starting eleven than what the red and whites can muster, and there are not many that have a better man standing on the sidelines to guide the troops. But let it be clear, now it really matters. In terms of age, this is suddenly the season where harmony is at its best, and if you are going to get past Liverpool, this could be the opportunity. It will be extremely interesting to see these heavyweights fight each other throughout the autumn and winter.

Arsenal have otherwise retained important players Gabriel and Saliba. This duo is not far from the best in class, and absolutely crucial for success. Most of the elements are in place for another good season, so we'll see if it turns out to be fantastic or not.

Conclusion – Reinforced crews and an early test

Because this match comes early. Already in the first round, these two giants will settle for three points. The away team does not want to start with a loss, and suddenly have to hunt down their rivals, while the home team must be desperate to show that this season will be different bowls. The premises for a good football match could not be better!

So what kind of match will it be? Will we get a wait-and-see affair where you don't want to let in, and therefore don't take the big chances? I think we'll get something a little different. I simply believe that the desire for the three points will take over completely, and that Manchester United will now show that they can keep up with their old competitors. Not a bad word about West Ham and Wolverhampton, but these are not the teams the Red Devils want to fight. Here they get the opportunity from the first whistle, and then I believe more in fireworks than wet socks.

Arsenal, on the other hand, need to win games. If they are to end up with the league title, most games need to be won. In isolation, drawing the occasional away game is no big deal, but the effect of three points here is huge. Faith is instilled in everyone's minds, and hope is growing. This Arsenal team with the wind in its sails could be tough to stop.

The last league match between these two ended 1-1, and so did the last cup battle. I think we'll end up with a result around there, but maybe this time with a winner too. It's hard to say who it will be, and the new optimism at Old Trafford shouldn't be underestimated. It could simply end up with all the points remaining in Manchester. If you analyze it further, it makes sense for the away team to take this, and for Arteta to get the dream start he's hoping for. The common denominator is that I think it will end with goals in both nets. And maybe that's enough for the first round of the league? The basis is thin for the deep analyses with two teams with significant changes from last season. We'll get wiser as the season progresses, so for now we'll end up here, goals for both teams, and a really good football match. Enjoy the Premier League finally being back!

England at 17:30: Manchester United - Arsenal: Both teams score (1.73)

Alternatively, play
England at 17:30: Manchester United - Arsenal: Over 2.5 goals (1.85)