Old Trafford, Manchester - In a tense and hard-fought opening weekend fixture of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The win, sealed by a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori, continues Arsenal's dominance in this fixture and provides a strong start to their title-chasing campaign.
The match, played under a warm Manchester sun, was a tale of two halves, with United starting brightly and Arsenal showing defensive resilience and clinical efficiency. The home side, playing their first competitive match under manager Ruben Amorim, created a flurry of chances but were ultimately undone by a single set-piece goal and a lack of cutting edge in the final third.
The early stages of the game were dominated by a high-octane Manchester United, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha causing immediate problems for the Arsenal defense. Mbeumo, in particular, was a constant threat on the right flank, his pace and directness testing David Raya on multiple occasions.
However, against the run of play, it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock. A corner swung in by Declan Rice was mishandled by United's goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, and the ball fell perfectly for Riccardo Calafiori, who headed home from close range. The goal, a reminder of Arsenal's set-piece prowess from last season, was a sucker punch for United and a clear sign of the defensive frailties they are still grappling with.
United continued to press and pin Arsenal back for much of the second half. New left-back Patrick Dorgu hit the post with a low shot, and Matheus Cunha forced a series of saves from David Raya, but the equalizer never came. Arsenal's defense, led by the commanding William Saliba, held firm, weathering the storm and ensuring all three points would travel back to North London.
Players Rating
Manchester United:
Altay Bayindir (4/10): A difficult day for the goalkeeper. The error on the goal was a moment he'll want to forget and ultimately cost his team the match.
Matheus Cunha (7.5/10): A tireless performance. He was a constant thorn in Arsenal's side, showing strength and a willingness to drive at defenders. His only drawback was the lack of a finish to cap off his efforts.
Bryan Mbeumo (6.5/10): Very active and a key part of United's attack. He created some great chances but was unable to convert them into a goal.
Mason Mount (5/10): Showed flashes of energy but was often wasteful with his shots. Still finding his place in the new system.
Benjamin Sesko (5/10): A subdued debut for the new striker. He didn't have a significant impact off the bench.
Arsenal:
David Raya (8/10): The hero for Arsenal. He pulled off several vital saves to keep United at bay, showcasing why he is so highly rated. He commanded his area well and was instrumental in securing the clean sheet.
William Saliba (8/10): An immense performance. He was a rock in the heart of the defense, making crucial tackles and interceptions to snuff out United's attacks.
Riccardo Calafiori (7.5/10): Scored the winning goal and was tidy with his distribution. A solid and dependable performance from the new acquisition.
Viktor Gyokeres (5.5/10): A quiet debut for the new number 9. He was involved as a target man but failed to register a shot or create any meaningful chances.
Expectations as the Campaign Continues
For Manchester United, this result is a bitter pill to swallow, but there were also reasons for optimism. The team, under Ruben Amorim, played with a high tempo and created more chances than their opponents. New signings like Cunha and Mbeumo showed real promise, and the lack of European football this season will give Amorim ample time to drill his tactical philosophy into the squad. The key for United will be to find a clinical edge in front of goal and iron out the defensive errors. While a title challenge might be a stretch, a top-six finish and a return to European competition is a realistic goal.
Arsenal, meanwhile, can be pleased with the result, even if the performance wasn't a masterclass. Starting the season with a win at Old Trafford is a significant psychological boost and sets them up well for the rest of the campaign. Having finished as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons, the pressure is on for Mikel Arteta's side to finally go one better. With the addition of players like Calafiori and Gyokeres, they have strengthened their squad and addressed key areas. They remain firm title contenders, and their ability to grind out a victory when not at their best is a sign of a championship-winning mentality. The season has just begun, but the stakes are already high for both clubs.