Arsenal and Manchester United will face off today at 11:30 a.m. EDT at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.
Arsenal is favored at a +100 price, with the over/under set at 2.5 (-125o / -105u) goals.
Let's get into my Arsenal vs. Man U prediction.
Arsenal vs. Man U Prediction
Pick: Both Teams To Score
My Arsenal vs. Man U best bet is on both teams to score in this match.
Arsenal vs. Man U Odds
| Arsenal Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -110 | 2.5 -125o / -105u | +100 |
| Man U Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -135 | 2.5 -125o / -105u | +255 |
Arsenal vs. Man U Picks, Parlay
Leg 1: Both Teams To Score
Leg 2: Manchester United +0.5 Asian Handicap
Leg 3: Under 25.5 Free Kicks
Despite the recent goal-scoring struggles, Manchester United’s new forward line, comprising Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, combined for 35 goals last season. Add to this the latest signing, Benjamin Sesko, and experienced Bruno Fernandes, and you’ve got a forward line that can seemingly score against anyone.
On the other hand, Arsenal have a successful transfer window with the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, along with midfield Martin Zubimendi, and right wing Noni Madueke. This finally feels like a complete team and puts them in a prime spot to challenge for the the title.
Both teams simply have to get on the scoreboard and look for ways to kickstart the season with three points.
The Red Devils have lost the opening game of the season just once since the 2015/16 campaign. Old Trafford will be expectant, with a newfound optimism after Ruben Amorim’s first preseason. After a nightmare campaign in 2024/25, the aim on matchday one will be to perform well and avoid defeat against Arsenal.
Old Trafford saw a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in November, a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in March, and a 0-0 draw against crosstown rivals Manchester City in April. Couple those draws with wins at home to Aston Villa, Athletic Club, and Real Sociedad in a largely underwhelming season, and it might indicate that Amorim can devise a game plan to avoid defeat here.
We’re also anticipating relatively few free kicks in this match. The Red Devils’ matches saw an average of 20.74 fouls last season, the third fewest in the Premier League. This remains around the same level (20.89) if we only factor in the games in which Ruben Amorim was the manager.
The Gunners' matches saw an average of 21.5 fouls last season, the sixth-lowest in the division. Their matches also saw an average of 3.11 offsides, which makes the under 25.5 line set by bookmakers a good selection.
There have been 25 free kicks or fewer in seven of the last eight league meetings between these teams, with those clashes seeing just 21 free kicks on average, including those won via offsides.
Arsenal vs. Man U Projections
Projected Chance of Winning
| Arsenal | Draw | Man U |
|---|---|---|
| 49% | 24% | 26.9% |
Projected Total Goals
| Arsenal | Total Goals | Man U |
|---|---|---|
| 1.47 | 2.48 | 1.01 |
Arsenal vs. Man U Betting Analysis
Manchester United host Arsenal in their opening game of the season. The Red Devils have spent lavishly in the summer in the hope of putting their most miserable Premier League campaign in history behind them. However, they face a stern test here.
The Gunners are aiming to finally get their hands on the title after finishing second for three consecutive seasons. Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a formidable team, so expect them to be in the ascendancy at Old Trafford. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have the physical and technical prowess to boss the midfield here. The visitors are likely to create an abundance of chances for their forward line, which Victor Gyokeres now leads.
Ruben Amorim has brought in a new front three to lead the attack in his 3-4-3 formation. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko bring pace and power to the attack and should prove a threat against Arsenal. United’s best chance of victory is hurting Arsenal in transition. Amorim needs his forward line to be clinical, just as they were at their previous clubs last season.
Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw when they visited Old Trafford back in March, but they did keep 68% possession. Arteta will be hoping the acquisition of Gyokeres can ensure his team grabs the goals that their play deserves in a match that is likely to play out similarly.
Manchester United head into their season opener against Arsenal with a form that can best be described as inconsistent, having secured just two wins in their last five outings. The solitary clean sheet from their pre-season fixtures indicates that manager Ruben Amorim is still striving to find the ideal balance. The Red Devils are coming off a challenging season, having won only three of their nine Premier League matches at Old Trafford in 2025, while suffering four defeats.
Throughout that period, Ruben Amorim’s side has averaged just 1.11 goals per game. To address their attacking shortcomings, recruits Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko have been brought in. Amorim is likely to persist with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw in defense.
In the attacking midfield role, Bruno Fernandes remains crucial for United's creative efforts, bridging the gap between midfield and attack and setting up opportunities for Mbeumo and Cunha. Sesko is likely to feature in the second half. Given the high-energy nature of both teams, Amorim's tactical expertise will be put to the test as he seeks to balance attacking intensity with defensive solidity.
Arsenal vs. Man U Projected Starting Lineups
Arsenal
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Magalhães, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Gyökeres, Madueke.
Man U
Onana; Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu, Fernandes; Mbeumo, Cunha.
