BBC pundit Chris Sutton is backing Arsenal to get their campaign off to a winning start against Manchester United.

Both teams head into the encounter at Old Trafford with several new signings set to make their competitive debuts but Sutton pinpointed Arsenal’s new number 14 as the man who could have a decisive impact on proceedings:

“Arsenal have a new centre-forward too, of course, and United boss Ruben Amorim knows all about Viktor Gyokeres after their time together at Sporting. I am looking forward to seeing how Gyokeres links up with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, and how quickly they can develop an understanding.”

“Add in how there is always needle in this match, and that a win would be huge for either side, and there is a lot to look forward to. It is going to be close, but although I feel really positive about United this season, I think they will lose this and Gyokeres may just have the final say against his old manager.”

What score has Sutton predicted for Man United vs Arsenal?

The former Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea forward has gone with a 2-1 win for the Gunners, which is a scoreline that will delight fans.

Old Trafford is expected to be bouncing for the first home game of the season, but Mikel Arteta’s side will take great pleasure in silencing the crowd.

Man United vs Arsenal team news

Leandro Trossard is set to be fit for the game on Sunday. He picked up a groin problem against Tottenham in the friendly last month, but Arteta says he expects to have the Belgian back in the matchday squad. Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with an ACL injury.

United, meanwhile, have doubts over Andre Onana (hamstring) and Joshua Zirkzee (knock). Both Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring) and Lisandro Martinez (ACL) have been ruled out.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here