As the English Premier League season kicks off, Manchester United and Arsenal get set for a much-anticipated matchup to start the season. As storied rivals in English football, the two sides will face off for the 244th time this weekend at Old Trafford. Both teams have had contrasting seasons leading up to this encounter, with Arsenal eyeing a title challenge while Manchester United aims to bounce back from a disappointing previous campaign.
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, meanwhile has a fully fit squad to select from. The only notable player absent is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker has been out since May with an ACL tear. Leandro Trossard, who has fought a groin ailment, is likely heading back in time for the game. Despite these glaring issues, Arteta is understandably optimistic heading into this season about his team’s chances.
The Red Devils will be hoping to bounce back after a chaotic campaign which saw them finish 6th in the Premier League. To climb back up the table, the club has spent record amounts on new signings. Last year’s signings have been a burden, costing more than 180 million pounds ($244 million) combined. Significant incoming transfers Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford Matheus Cunha from Wolves Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig
Arsenal’s Ambitious Outlook
New Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta sees this as the season that his club finally claims the Premier League silverware. “For three seasons, we’ve had more points than nearly any other team in this league, which is incredible,” he stated. His confidence is based on the fantastic results that Chicago has achieved over the past several years.
Yet the manager knows that doing this with a mediocre lineup for 162 games is what really makes or breaks a season. “You have the consistency, but now we have to do it in a season, to end with more points than any other team,” Arteta remarked. His ambitions are clear: he aims to lead Arsenal to league glory, and he is instilling that mindset within his players.
The last two meetings between Arsenal and Manchester United have been draws, illustrating how close their rivalry has developed recently. In terms of history, Manchester United leads the all-time head-to-head with 99 wins to Arsenal’s 89. Regardless, Arteta is intent on making the conversion of previous fortunes into future success.
“That’s the objective. When I’ve been taught, when I’ve been educated, that’s it.” – Mikel Arteta
Manchester United’s New Era
Manchester United are very much hoping to do just that. They, too, are intent on recovering from a disappointing outing a year ago. After a 15th-place finish in the league, changes were made. New coach Ruben Amorim has come in and made it his goal to instill a new winning mentality into the squad – and it’s working.
Either way, the new signings are a clear indication of the club’s intent to move in a different direction. The total transfer fee for Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha well exceeds 200 million pounds ($271 million). This investment is a clear signal of Manchester United’s intentions to regain their status among the top echelons of English football.
Even with these new additions, United will enter the window without Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui through injury. The knee and hamstring injuries, respectively, keep them out of this huge semifinal matchup. Players Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana have receded from their niggles and are available for selection.
“I don’t need to tell Ben, ‘Ben, this is Manchester United, a lot of pressure. Every game is like do or die’,” – Ruben Amorim
A big reason for that was the mental approach Amorim saw his players take and their clear commitment to getting better. “He is always thinking about football. He’s really obsessed about that,” he commented on one of his key players.
Tactical Battle Ahead
The second match between these hallowed rivals will be showcasing some serious individual talent. It will be marked by a tactical battle between two extremely accomplished managers. Arteta’s Arsenal have strength in variety and purpose to hurt almost any deficiency found in the United starting eleven. “I think we have great versatility, very different qualities in relation to the opposition, so we are very happy with that,” said Arteta.
Here’s everything you need to know as both teams get set for an exciting meeting at Old Trafford. Fans can’t wait to see what tactical decisions are made and how that plays out on the pitch.
