Rúben Amorim may have to make four changes if he is to start his best Manchester United XI against Arsenal as the Premier League restarts next weekend.
After five pre-season fixtures across Sweden, the United States, and one at Old Trafford, Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United are heading into their 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The 2025 summer tour saw the club win fixtures against West Ham and Bournemouth, while draws against Leeds United, Everton, and Fiorentina meant the side went unbeaten across the five matches. The latter tie was then won on penalties to secure the Reds’ win to lift the Snapdragon Cup.
With preparations concluded, Amorim’s full attention has turned to their opening game of the season, set to kick off on Sunday, 17 August, as they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford.
The blockbuster fixture on the opening weekend of the season represents the debuts of several players. Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo are all likely to feature for the Reds.
In contrast, Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubamendi, Noni Madueke, and others will feature for their maiden competitive appearance under Mikel Arteta.
Amorim’s best XI vs Arsenal includes four changes
The Fiorentina fixture at Old Trafford represented Amorim’s best opportunity to see his ideal United starting XI ahead of the Arsenal match. Still, following the performance, a few changes are likely to be made ahead of the Sunday tie.
While Altay Bayındır started in goal on the weekend and saved Fabiano Parisi’s penalty spot effort to win the shootout, the expectation is that André Onana will return in goal if he recovers from his hamstring injury in time, which is expected to be the case.
As for the defensive three of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire have established themselves as the bona fide first choice options at right and central centre-back, respectively.
However, although Ayden Heaven started on the left flank, his minor injury scare against Fiorentina, combined with Amorim’s need to protect the young star from too much exposure early in his career, may mean Luke Shaw starts next weekend. Shaw also has a fantastic history of being able to marshal players such as Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
As for the wing-backs, Amad and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu are the best options. Although there was criticism of Amad’s performance against Fiorentina, he is learning how to play in a new position and will grow over time.
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes is expected to play in the middle of the park, but who partners him is a big question. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have failed to inspire during pre-season, while Kobbie Mainoo has been fantastic.
Although Mainoo is not the most natural fit alongside Fernandes, his pure quality always shines through. If United want to be dominant at their own ground against Arsenal, he may be the best player to start on Sunday amid the club’s transfer chase of Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
The front three is where the real excitement begins. Cunha and Mbeumo look sure to make their competitive debuts for United next week, starting on the left and right flanks of the striker.
Initially, it felt as if Rasmus Højlund was set to lead the line for United on the opening weekend, but the Dane is being heavily linked with a move to AC Milan. If he were to leave United, this would leave Amorim little choice but to plug Šeško into the starting XI, should he want a natural striker in the position.
There is also the possibility that Mason Mount could be redeployed up front as a temporary fix while Šeško settles in after the former’s “incredible” display in the position against Fiorentina.
Amorim’s best XI vs Arsenal
Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Amad, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Šeško, Cunha.
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