Ruben Amorim prepares for his first full season at Manchester United's helm after a disastrous previous campaign that saw the club sink to historic lows. The Red Devils finished 15th last season, their worst league position since 1989/90, while collecting just 42 points – their lowest tally since 1974.
"We understand the supporters' expectations and know we must deliver much better results this season," a determined Amorim might say as pressure mounts at Old Trafford.
United's summer rebuild has been substantial, with over £200 million spent on reinforcing their anemic attack that managed just 44 goals throughout last season's league campaign. New arrivals Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko bring fresh hope to a side desperate for offensive firepower. The preseason offered glimmers of optimism too – remaining unbeaten with victories over "Bournemouth" and "West Ham" alongside draws against "Leeds", "Everton", and "Fiorentina".
Perhaps equally important, Bruno Fernandes resisted lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to remain United's creative catalyst. But can this revamped squad genuinely challenge for honors again?
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's "Arsenal" arrive at Old Trafford with their own point to prove. Despite three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes, the Spanish manager faces mounting expectations to deliver silverware. The Gunners reached their first Champions League semifinal since 2009 last season before falling to eventual winners PSG, but Arsenal fans crave domestic glory after years of watching others lift the Premier League trophy.
Arsenal didn't sit idle this summer. The North London club strengthened significantly with several key signings including Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and most notably, Viktor Gyokeres – the clinical striker Arsenal desperately needed. The Swedish forward has already opened his account, netting in a friendly against Athletic Bilbao.
Interestingly, Arsenal brings an impressive recent record against United to this fixture. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last five Premier League encounters with the Red Devils – though that statistic perhaps says more about United's recent struggles than Arsenal's dominance.
Bookmakers clearly favor the visitors, offering odds of 2.00 on an Arsenal win compared to 4.15 for Manchester United, with a draw priced at 3.75. But on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford, can Amorim's men defy expectations and signal the beginning of their comeback story?
