Manchester United kick off their 2025-26 season with a home match against rivals Arsenal. After a bitterly disappointing 24-25 campaign, compounded by the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, Ruben Amorim will be hoping for a strong start to avoid further questions about if he is the right man to lead the club forward.
With Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha through the door, combined with the expected departures of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia, we have an idea of the XI we may see against Arsenal on the opening day.
Formation 3-4-2-1
Ruben Amorim clearly favours a 3-4-2-1 formation, with new signings Mbeumo and Cunha bought in to be deployed behind the striker. Despite many United fans feeling the club should revert to a 4 at the back system, it is clear that is not the plan.
The wing-backs are crucial, offering width and stretching the opposition’s defence, while the two attacking midfielders operate in the half-spaces, creating overloads and linking play with the lone striker. This setup enables fluid movement, with players interchanging positions to exploit gaps.
New Signings to Change Things?
This XI is of course, as things currently stand. With Andre Onana being injured and failing to impress since he joined the club, a new goalkeeper is on the agenda for Manchester United. Links with Senne Lammens are growing stronger, while Emi Martinez is also reportedly under consideration.
A striker may also come through the door before the opening day. United were linked with Liam Delap before his move to Chelsea, while they have also said to have been offered the chance to sign Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres is said to be prioritising a move to Arsenal, however.
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is also of interest to Ruben Amorim, with the Senegalese forward and Benjamin Sesko said to be the two names currently under consideration at Old Trafford.
Is This Team Enough?
It is obviously than Manchester United need to make significant improves after a disastrous campaign last season. Cunha and Mbeumo are two exceptional signings with Premier League experience and goal scoring ability. However, the middle of the park needs to be addressed, with United still looking easy to cut through in their pre-season game against Leeds United.
A goalkeeper, central-midfielder and centre-forward of top level would massively increase United's chances of competing for European spots in the upcoming season. The current side, albeit improved, still has many holes in it. A tough test against Arsenal awaits.
