Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford and carted home all three points from the first encounter of the Premier League 2025/26 against Manchester United, winning by a lone goal, on Sunday 17 August, 2025.
Riccardo Calafiori’s header for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal early, in the 13th minute, was enough to douse Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United.
The Reds had launched all three attacking options this summer – Matheus Cuhna, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko – who all recorded their Manchester United debuts on Super Sunday.
However, the outcome was ultimately decided on a goalkeeping error. Altay Bayindir – taking charge for the absent Andre Onana – failed to handle English defensive midfielder, Declan Rice’s corner, making way for Calafiori to head home inside 13 minutes.
And Gunners goalkeeper, David Raya, had to be at his best at the other end to keep out the vibrant Cunha and Mbeumo, who moved to Old Trafford from Wolves and Brentford respectively.
As pressure kept mounting on the visitors, Mbeumo headed another effort towards goal after a deflected cross from Dorgu, however, Raya was out again to make a beautiful save.
Result
Premier League 2025/26 – Sunday 17 August, 2025 |
| Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace |
| Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brentford |
| Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal |
Arteta’s men recorded zero (0) shots on target in the second 45 minutes and just four (4) overall after the break, with only a few efforts of note after the goal. Midfielder, Martin Odegaard, shot from range in the first half, while Declan Rice saw a free-kick deflect behind for a corner.
Photo: Riccardo Calafiori celebrates goal for Arsenal with teammate, Declan Rice, against Manchester United | X/Arsenal
