Manchester United start three debutants against Arsenal

A preview of United’s starting XI for the season opener against Arsenal, highlighting three new signings likely to start.

Manchester United set to field three debutants against Arsenal

The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off with Manchester United hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford. The lineup preview centers on three new signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, with three debutants expected to start. Andre Onana is named in goal despite missing most of pre-season with a hamstring issue.

Defence features Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven in the back three, with Luke Shaw available as cover if Heaven is not fully fit. In midfield, Amad starts at right wing-back, while Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes anchor the middle and Patrick Dorgu provides fresh energy. Cunha and Mbeumo operate as No 10s behind Sesko, who leads the line after a disrupted pre-season.

The decision to start three debutants signals United’s intent to inject pace and freshness after a turbulent year. It tests Ruben Amorim's balancing act between youth and experience in a high-stakes opener against a strong Arsenal side. The back line aims for speed and solidity, while the midfield trio and attacking setup seek to press Arsenal high and create quick transitions.

The risk is clear: Onana’s fitness, even with a quality pedigree, adds a layer of uncertainty in goal. If the new signings settle quickly, United could start the season with momentum; if not, early criticism may grow about overreliance on fresh faces. This match could set the tone for how United approaches the rest of the window’s arrivals and the season ahead.

Highlights

Fans will watch closely how this new lineup adapts to Premier League pace in the opening weeks.