Man United vs Arsenal 19/4 Bet Builder – Mark O’Haire
The Premier League is back and MD1’s showpiece fixture sees Manchester United meet old rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford on Super Sunday. The Red Devils are aiming high under Ruben Amorim with a revamped forward line giving supporters renewed optimism, whilst the Gunners are desperate to convert perennial near-misses into silverware.
Arsenal have become the perennial bridesmaids in the Premier League having finished second for three successive seasons. Mikel Arteta has now failed to win a major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, and the pressure is undoubtably on the capital club to scratch that itch in 2025/26. However, an opening weekend trip to Old Trafford is no easy game.
Match Result – Draw
Arsenal’s exceptional rearguard has been the foundation for their consistency at the top end of the Premier League – the Gunners lost only four times last term and come into this contest unbeaten in 21 matches against the traditional big six. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s men aren’t accustomed to winning away in the EPL at odds-against offerings.
Go back to the beginning of 2023/24 and Arsenal have been priced up at 11/10 (2.10) or bigger on nine occasions, winning just once. Seven of those showdowns ended all-square and a repeat appeal at the prices considering Man Utd held both Arsenal in each of the last two meetings, as well as Man City (h) and Liverpool (a) last term.
Total Goals – Under 2.5
With the draw favoured, Under 2.5 Goals is also well-worth considering. Man Utd’s attack failed to function last season as the Red Devils fired 15 Premier League blanks. The additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko should improve their output significantly, though it may take time for things to click.
Interestingly, five of United’s six Old Trafford dates with top six teams in 2024/25 featured fewer than three strikes with 63% of Arsenal’s overall away days following suit. Backing Under 2.5 Goals alongside our Draw selection means we’re effectively supporting the 0-0 or 1-1 correct scores on Sunday.
Total Cards – Under 5.5
Recent skirmishes between Man Utd and Arsenal haven’t tended to produce the fireworks of old. Nine of the last 11 EPL meetings between the pair have produced Under 5.5 Cards with the past five total card counts reading 1-4-2-5-3. Referee Simon Hooper flashed fewer than six cards in 70% of his 27 league appearances last season.
