Arsenal and Manchester United will renew their fierce rivalry this Sunday when they clash at Old Trafford in the opening weekend of the Premier League. For Kenyan fans, the match kicks off at 6:30 PM East African Time (EAT) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Premier League (DStv), with streaming available on the DStv Stream app.
Manchester United enter the new campaign under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, their third manager in two years, following a dismal 2024/25 season that saw them slump to their worst-ever Premier League finish—15th. The Portuguese coach has overseen a squad overhaul, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to sharpen United’s attack. The pressure is already on as fans expect a strong start to erase the memories of last season’s struggles.
For Arsenal, the mission is clear: end a two-decade wait for the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta’s men finished runners-up for a third straight year in May, but optimism is high after the £85 million signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who is set to make his debut. Arsenal have already proven consistent challengers, and the addition of a prolific centre-forward could finally tilt the balance in their favour.
The head-to-head record suggests Arsenal will face a stern test at Old Trafford. United have lost just two of their last 18 home league meetings with Arsenal, although the Gunners have scored in each of their last 11 visits to the Theatre of Dreams. Last season, the sides shared one win apiece and a draw across their three encounters.
Key players are expected to define the clash. Bruno Fernandes remains United’s creative heartbeat and scored twice against Arsenal last term. New arrival Benjamin Sesko will also look to make his mark. For the Gunners, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli bring width and pace, while Gyokeres offers a new dimension in attack.
United will be without Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui due to injury, while goalkeeper André Onana is expected to shake off a knock in time. Arsenal’s only absentee is Leandro Trossard, leaving Arteta with a largely full-strength squad to choose from.
