Rúben Amorim looks set to have a number of his new players start as Manchester United line up to face Arsenal in the opening weekend of the 20225/26 season.
Manchester United are opening their 2025/26 Premier League campaign by welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford in what looks set to become a thrilling encounter.
The two Premier League heavyweights are looking to significantly reinforce their attacking lines this summer, with Rúben Amorim and Mikel Arteta both in need of more goals.
Arsenal want to add a new striker and winger to their ranks, with centre-forwards Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško both liked. The North London side are also being heavily linked with Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze.
Meanwhile, United have already secured Matheus Cunha as a front-line edition, while a deal for Bryan Mbeumo looks close. United are also keen to add a new striker, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins among those being considered.
Amorim’s dream starting XI vs Arsenal
Although André Onana has not had a positive first two seasons at Old Trafford since his £47 million move from Inter Milan in 2023, he is known to have a good working relationship with Amorim. He is likely to remain United’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.
In defence, two of the head coach’s three centre-backs pick themselves against Arsenal. With no additions to the back line expected this summer, Noussair Mazraoui is the player most accustomed to playing on the right of Amorim’s back three. At the same time, Leny Yoro has shown himself to be a formidable candidate on the left.
The main toss-up is who plays in the centre, with both Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt having excelled in the position. Although Maguire ended as the first-choice option last season, it seems more likely that De Ligt will be given the go-ahead at the beginning of next season, with Maguire likely to play a more squad and rotation role.
In midfield, one of the two starters is obvious. Despite being chased by Al-Hilal earlier this summer, club captain Bruno Fernandes chose to remain at Old Trafford and is likely to play a deeper role more often in the middle of the 3-4-3 formation.
Who partners with him is a different question. Amorim seeks a new, athletic midfielder with Premier League experience, and Juventus’ Douglas Luiz could be a suitable fit. It has been reported that the Turin side are open to swapping the Brazilian to land United outcast Jadon Sancho, and considering Amorim’s need for midfielders, the former Aston Villa player could be at Old Trafford next season.
As for the wing-backs, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is an almost certain starter against Arsenal for the left flank next season, with Amad on the opposite side, barring injury.
Amad is likely to start as the right wing-back, allowing the pending “incredible” signing of Mbeumo to start as an inside forward on the right of Amorim’s new-look front three, with Cunha operating in a similar position on the left.
As for the striker, it looks as if this could be Villa centre-forward Watkins. With Cunha and Mbeumo signing, Amorim wants a guarantee of Premier League goals. Watkins has just that, with 75 goals and 36 assists in 184 appearances in the competition.
Although his current transfer fee is unclear, United’s interest in Watkins has resonated with Villa amid their current financial struggles. It could be a move that materialises once United secure Mbeumo and further funding through sales.
Possible Amorim XI vs Arsenal
Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro, Amad, Luiz, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Watkins, Cunha.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.