Man United set to play extra friendly before Arsenal

Manchester United may add another pre-season match as Amorim weighs lineup choices before the Arsenal clash

Man United set to play one more friendly before season opener against Arsenal

Manchester United may add another pre season match before the season opener against Arsenal, according to reports. After five warm up fixtures United have three wins, two draws, and a few trophies, with no major injuries this tour. The plan centers on giving Andre Onana and Benjamin Sesko minutes in a competitive setting, even though both players have yet to feature in the pre season. Altay Bayindir has not yet convinced in goal, and Ruben Amorim aims to sharpen the squad by adding a behind closed doors test before the August 17 fixture at Old Trafford.

With Arsenal set to visit on August 17, United want to calibrate the balance between readiness and risk. The approach would see Onana and Sesko given significant minutes to shake off rust, a move described in reports as a must for the first match. The decision reflects a broader belief that the gap between first choice and backup is too large in key positions to ignore, even if it comes at the expense of timing in the final pre season friendly.

Strategically this signals a shift toward immediate impact over cautious build up. A single extra match can reveal gaps in fitness and chemistry that training alone cannot show.

Fans and rivals will read the move in different lights. If Onana and Sesko hit the ground running, it could set a bold opening tone. If they struggle, the discussion will focus on depth and the risk of early exposure.

Highlights

Time will tell how this plan lands in the early weeks of the season.