Premier League Results: Arsenal Silence Man Utd at Old Trafford

Arsenal opened the 2025/26 Premier League season with a valuable victory over Manchester United (MU) at Old Trafford Stadium in the early hours of Monday, 18 August 2025 (IST). Riccardo Calafiori’s solitary goal in the 13th minute ensured that the Gunners returned home with all three points.

The early goal came from a dead ball situation. Declan Rice delivered a dangerous curling corner that Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, failed to clear. Calafiori then headed the loose ball into the open net, giving Arsenal a 1–0 lead.

 Bayındır’s mistake was the main factor in conceding this goal, while also highlighting Arsenal’s effectiveness in executing set-piece plays.

Manchester United had a golden opportunity when Patrick Dorgu took a powerful shot from the left flank, but the ball hit the post. The Red Devils’ efforts in the second half were also fruitless, including when Amad Diallo was brought down in the penalty area — the referee did not award a penalty, however.

Arsenal appeared disciplined at the back until the final minutes and closed the match with a narrow 1-0 victory.

This match also marked the debut of Arsenal’s new striker, Viktor Gyokeres, who was immediately played from the start by Mikel Arteta.

Line-up

Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Bruno, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Mounts.

Coach: Ruben Amorim (Portugal)

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Martinelli, Gyokeres, Saka.

Coach: Mikel Arteta (Spain)