Game Week 1 Predictions: Arsenal to beat United at Old Trafford

Manchester United face Arsenal at Old Trafford in a blockbuster Premier League opener, with Gyokeres set for debut and Amorim chasing a strong start.

Manchester United must step up their game when Arsenal visits on Sunday but can the Red Devils earn a win over Arsenal for the first time in three years? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs Arsenal

Old Trafford

4:30pm

This is the fixture the whole of Europe is waiting for, a juggernaut of a fixture between Arsenal and Manchester United at the iconic Old Trafford Stadium. The Premier League is back!

What a way to kickstart the season. The striker Arsenal wanted for a long while will line up against them, while the striker Manchester United wanted all summer will lead the line for the Gunners, Ruben Amorim against Mikel Arteta. This fixture is more important than you think.

At the end of last season, Amorim promised the fans that the storm is over; he told them sunshine is coming, and if they must believe that, a rainbow must appear at Old Trafford on Sunday when Arsenal steps out against them; a good start is important.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Sounds cliché, especially for teams that struggle early on, but you’d rather be the front runner and not the one chasing. United does not have distractions, no European football, just the league and some domestic affairs that they can do without; there won’t be excuses.

Let’s talk about Arsenal, shall we? Martin Zubimendi came in to fill the Thomas Partey role, Christian Noorgard came in to replace Jorginho, and Kepa Arrizabalaga came in to replace Neto. Arsenal wanted a backupto Bukayo Saka; they got Noni Madueke, and Mosquera joined to replace the departed Tomiyasu.

The big addition is up front for the Gunners. Viktor Gyokeres joined from Sporting Lisbon. It was a long tussle, but Mikel Arteta has his man, and he must make it count. He must tweak his playing style to accommodate the leather striker; Arsenal must show workings in this game.

Manchester United is still light at the back due to injury and fitness. Noussair Mazraoui is out injured, and Lisandro Martinez is not available. Luke Shaw is fit, and so is Harry Maguire; Leny Yoro will join the trio, with Ayden Heaven ready to step in if needed.

The midfield is also a problem for Manchester United; they will struggle to cope with what Arsenal has to offer. United must depend on Amad Traore’s pace and trickery to set up the guys up front. Bryan Mbeumo and Mattheus Cunha should earn their stripes here.

For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka is still a threat, and with Gyokeres now offering a focal point, United cannot afford to sleep. The unpredictability of Gabriel Martinelli and the quality from Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard could be too much for the Red Devils.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.