Man Utd vs. Arsenal: Four Key Battles That Could Decide Premier League Clash

16 Aug 2025, 23:05 · The Fresno Bee

The Premier League fixture generator has thrown up an absolute treat in the first round of matches as two heavyweights of English football butt heads at Old Trafford.

Manchester United, looking to move on from last year's nightmare campaign, have spent heavily this summer in a bid to bring themselves up to the dizzy heights of the Premier League standings usually occupied by Arsenal. The Gunners will be licking their lips at the idea of adding to their fierce rivals' misery with a result which would provide real momentum as they seek to finally make that jump up to become champions.

The game will be full of fascinating tactical battles all over the pitch and here are four to keep a particularly close eye on.

Benjamin Sesko vs. William Saliba

Down to the other end of the pitch for almost exactly the same narrative. We all know about Ruben Amorim's history with Viktor Gyökeres, who could very easily be playing for United now if the Red Devils hadn't stunk out the place last season. United's loss, however, is Arsenal's gain.

Gyökeres has had marginally longer to gel at his new club, including the benefit of a few pre-season friendlies, but all eyes will be on how he fairs in a competitive fixture on English shores. Trying to spoil his debut will be Harry Maguire.

As the leader at the heart of United's back three, Maguire will be trusted with either neutralising Gyökeres directly or making sure those around him can keep the Swede quiet. If he can do a better job than Saliba at the other end, United could get something from this game.

Bruno Fernandes vs. Declan Rice

There's a potential weakness in Arsenal down their left side, where Myles Lewis-Skelly will be asked to invert into midfield. Such a tactic could vacate the sort of space in which Amad Diallo thrives.

Amad's new role as a wing back is largely that in name alone. He's an attacking winger at heart and has already earned the trust of his manager and his teammates to pick his moments to go forwards-ideally when Lewis-Skelly is out of position.

Lewis-Skelly's inversion has the potential to cause absolute chaos among United's midfielders, but it could also backfire if he forgets to track back on Amad.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man Utd vs. Arsenal: Four Key Battles That Could Decide Premier League Clash.

This story was originally published August 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM.