As Arsenal prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend, Lee Dixon has given his verdict on both clubs and suggested that only one United player would make it into the Arsenal starting line-up.
The fixture promises to be one of the toughest opening matches of the season for either side, with both eager to begin their campaigns on a positive note. Arsenal have strengthened across the pitch, while Manchester United enter the new season with a reshaped attacking line.
The Gunners’ ambition remains clear as they continue their pursuit of the league title, while United also hope to mount a challenge despite having finished last season much closer to the relegation places than the top. Ruben Amorim’s team are nevertheless regarded as dangerous opponents, fully capable of troubling Arsenal on the opening weekend.
Dixon’s Assessment of the Two Squads
At present, predicting the outcome of the clash is difficult, but Dixon believes Arsenal’s squad has the edge in terms of quality and depth. In his view, the vast majority of United’s players would struggle to break into the starting XI at the Emirates.
Speaking via Mirror Football, Dixon said:
“I’m struggling to think of a Manchester United player who would get into Arsenal’s first 11. Only Bruno Fernandes could lay claim to a spot.
“You’d have to put Sesko and Gyokeres in the same bracket, because neither of them have shown what they can do in the Premier League yet. We need to see them here and see how they handle it. Sesko could score 10 in the first six, who knows, and then he’d walk into a best-of 11.”
His comments underline the perception that Arsenal’s squad has been carefully constructed to compete for the Premier League title, whereas Manchester United are still in the process of rebuilding.
What to Expect from the Match
Although both sides have yet to play a competitive fixture in the 2025/26 season, the match will provide an early indicator of where they stand. Arsenal will aim to demonstrate their readiness to compete at the highest level, while United will look to prove they can still challenge the top sides despite their recent struggles.
Ultimately, results in the coming months will determine whether Dixon’s assessment proves accurate. For now, the highly anticipated encounter remains delicately balanced, and both teams will be determined to make a strong start to the campaign.
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I agree. Bruno and maybe Sesko (if he preforms like we expect him too)
Arsenal has better calibre of players than United in almost every position
Spot on Lee and some people are suggesting we will struggle against an average utd. Why?
To believe we’re going to win is called arrogance and to believe we will struggle is the good old fashioned glass half empty pov. The second allows for unexpected, unalloyed joy at a win and the other confirms that Arsenal haven’t got a chance under Arteta and he should fall on his sword sooner rather than later. They are both typical reactions and particularly at the start of the season
We should not be struggling at utd, with the team/squad compared to ours. They are rebuilding and still have many issues. We haven’t.
How is a game between #2 and #15 delicately balanced.
United does very well to be within 2 foals of the Arsenal
Didn’t they draw with us at Old Trafford last season ?
The taste of the pudding is in the eating.
I want to see this acclaimed superiority in our performance and result at OT.