Man United name strongest XI to face Arsenal

Ruben Amorim weighs starting XI decisions ahead of the Premier League opener with Arsenal.

Man United name strongest XI to face Arsenal

Manchester United face Arsenal this Sunday to kick off the Premier League season, with Ruben Amorim beginning his first full campaign in charge. After a busy summer that added four new players and a promising pre-season, United look to start with momentum.

If Andre Onana is fit, he is likely to start in goal. The back line remains unsettled: Leny Yoro is near-certain, while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire compete for the center spots and Ayden Heaven is pushing Luke Shaw for the left-sided role. Amad and Patrick Dorgu are lined up as wing-backs, Bruno Fernandes anchors midfield, and a midfield trio of Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro will drive the engine. Cunha and Mbeumo are set to support Sesko up front, with a strong bench including Tom Heaton, Diogo Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Mount, Hojlund, and Obi.

The projected XI signals Amorim’s plan to blend pace with solidity in defense and width in attack. If Onana starts, the back three will need immediate cohesion, especially with Heaven pushing Shaw for the left-central role.

Midfield choices will shape United’s balance. Fernandes provides leadership, while Ugarte, Mainoo, or Casemiro offer different kinds of control and energy. Cunha and Mbeumo’s movement matters for feeding Sesko, whose ability to hold play and finish will test Arsenal’s defence early in the season. The bench depth suggests flexibility but also raises questions about how quickly new combinations can click in real match situations.

Highlights

The opening lineup is a statement, not a guarantee of what the season holds.