How Did Arsenal Silence Old Trafford? Unpacking the Stunning Manchester United Knockout on Opening Day!

Kicking off the 2025/26 Premier League season with a bang, Arsenal managed to scrape a crucial 1-0 win at the iconic Old Trafford, rubbing salt in the wounds of their age-old rivals, Manchester United. It wasn’t the cleanest performance you’d expect in a title bid opener—just 13 minutes in, Riccardo Calafiori capitalized on an uncharacteristic bobble by United’s keeper Altay Bayindir, nodding the ball in from point-blank range. Mikel Arteta’s squad might not have dazzled throughout, but this victory serves as a sharp reminder that they’re gearing up to chase down the Premier League crown once again. With goalkeeper David Raya stepping up magnificently and Arsenal stretching their unbeaten streak against the Red Devils in recent years, the Gunners have sent a statement loud and clear. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim’s men, although edged out this time, showed flashes that hint at better days ahead, balancing frustration with hope after a promising display. Dive into the pivotal moments and key takeaways from this blockbuster encounter—you won’t want to miss a beat. LEARN MORE

Getting the 2025/26 campaign underway on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal clinched what was a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at historic rivals Manchester United.

The Gunners got off to a dream start after just 13 minutes as Riccardo Calafiori pounced on Altay Bayindir’s latest handling area and headed home from essentially on the line.

With Mikel Arteta’s side making it clear that they have their sights firmly set on mounting another Premier League title charge this year, Arsenal also extended on what is a sensational recent top-flight record against the Red Devils.

Although the Gunners might have eventually dragged themselves to three points in the red half of Manchester, Spanish shot-stopper David Raya had to produce a pair of stunning stops to deny fellow new United recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha on either side of the half-time break.

While Ruben Amorim’s men might have been frustrated to not have at least claimed a point here, they will certainly take plenty of positives away from an eye-catching performance this weekend.

On an afternoon when Arsenal got their title charge underway with an opening weekend victory at Old Trafford, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Sunday’s heavyweight showdown.

Arsenal get proceedings underway with a victory in Manchester

Eventually forced to settle for another silver medal finish among England’s elite last season and ending the 2024/25 campaign without a piece of silverware to show for their troubles, Arteta has made his expectations clear over the summer.

Still waiting to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since way back in 2004, there has been some speculation that the former Manchester City coach could find some increasing scrutiny on his role if Arsenal once again fall short this year.

However, although the Gunners might have failed to find their fluid best with much stability on Sunday afternoon, they did get proceedings underway with an opening weekend victory away at their bitter historic foes.

With Arteta knowing that there was nothing more important than putting a maiden Premier League victory on the board here, Arsenal are more than aware that stability is key this time around.

Failing to record back-to-back Premier League wins after returning from March’s international break, the title dreamers will be next seen when they welcome top-flight returners Leeds to north London.

Positives are certainly there for Amorim

While the Old Trafford hierarchy might have publicly backed Amorim over the summer, it is no secret that the former Sporting Lisbon boss opens proceedings with plenty of pressure on his shoulders.

Limping their way to an infamous 15th-place finish last season and breaking a string of unwanted records, Amorim knows that large sections of the Old Trafford support still need to be won over.

However, although the Red Devils might have missed out on the opportunity to collect a heavyweight opening weekend scalp here, United should take plenty positives away from an eye-catching performance here.

Watching their new summer recruits make an immediate impact, there is an argument to be made that Sunday’s display should be regarded as one of the most impressive since Amorim arrived at Old Trafford back in November.

With their sights firmly set on booking an essential European return this season, United will be next seen in seven days time when they travel to Fulham.

Arsenal extend on their remarkable recent record against United

While some in Arteta’s camp might know that they were fortunate to leave Old Trafford with an opening weekend victory on Sunday afternoon, the Gunners did extend on their remarkable recent record against Manchester United.

Despite watching their FA Cup adventure come to an abrupt end back in January as they suffered penalty shootout heartbreak against Sunday’s hosts in north London, they have not suffered a competitive defeat against United within 90 minutes over the past three years.

Including their 1-0 victory against their historic foes here, Arteta’s side have now registered 16 points from their previous six Premier League showdowns against the Red Devils.

Eventually opening the 2025/26 campaign with a heavyweight scalp in Manchester, the Gunners have also claimed seven points from their last three top-flight trips to Old Trafford.

Match Report

Manchester United: Bayindir, Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw, Dalot, Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount, Mbeumo, Cunha

Subs: Maguire, Ugarte, Diallo, Sesko

Arsenal: Raya, White, Salibal, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres

Subs: Lewis-Skelly, Timber, Merino, Madueke, Havertz

Goals: Calafiori (13’)

Yellow Cards: Manchester United: Dorgu – Arsenal: Raya, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Simon Hooper