Manchester United kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign this afternoon when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim faces his first full season in charge and will likely unleash his new dream attack for the first time.
United endured a miserable season last term, finishing in 15th place. The club suffered nine home defeats at Old Trafford, conceding 28 goals while scoring just 23 in their 19 home league matches.
An unbeaten pre-season campaign has been bolstered by significant investment in attack. United spent £210m on three new forwards: Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £73.6m, Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71m.
Amorim's tactical overhaul
The Portuguese manager has implemented major changes since his November appointment. Amorim removed several disruptive influences from the first-team picture, including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
His predicted lineup suggests a 3-4-1-2 formation with Andre Onana in goal behind a back three of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. United's back three were one of the few positives last season and will be tasked with stopping Arsenal's new forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Amad has proven adept at right-wing-back and Patrick Dorgu has looked strong in pre-season ahead of his first full season as United's left-wing-back. Bruno Fernandes is expected to drop into a deeper role in midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte to provide more defensive balance.
Goalkeeper and attacking decisions
Andre Onana has not had any pre-season action through injury but is fit to face Arsenal and should start the season in goal. Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir looked shaky at times in pre-season and isn't a serious challenger to the number one spot.
Kobbie Mainoo will be unlucky to miss out but remains a positive option from the bench. The front three of Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko, who scored 58 goals between them last season, should cure United's goalscoring woes this term.
Manchester United predicted XI vs Arsenal: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire; Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko.
Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "Mirror", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
