🚨🔮 Manchester United Predicted XI vs Arsenal

Andre Onana Back in Goal 🧤 New Boy Benjamin Šeško Up Top 🔥

The Premier League calendar has a way of throwing up heavyweight clashes that feel bigger than just three points, and when Manchester United meet Arsenal, it’s always more than just a game. Two historic rivals, both with ambitions to reclaim their spot at the summit of English football, collide again — and this time, all eyes are on how Erik ten Hag will set up his side.

The buzz ahead of this showdown is heightened by the potential return of Andre Onana between the sticks and the prospect of Benjamin Šeško, United’s marquee summer signing, making his first start up top.

Let’s dive into the predicted XI, the tactical reasoning behind each choice, and what fans can expect when the Red Devils face the Gunners.

Goalkeeper – Andre Onana 🧤

The Cameroonian shot-stopper has had his share of ups and downs since arriving from Inter Milan, but his return to the starting XI could be a crucial boost for United. After missing recent matches through injury and rotation, Onana is now fit and ready to reclaim his spot.

His distribution from the back will be key against Arsenal’s high press, and his presence in the box will give the defence much-needed confidence. If United are to play out from the back successfully, Onana’s composure and passing range will be essential.

Right-back – Diogo Dalot

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka still regaining full sharpness, Dalot looks set to start at right-back. The Portuguese full-back offers more attacking thrust and is comfortable tucking into midfield when United need to overload the centre.

Against Arsenal’s dangerous left side, likely featuring Gabriel Martinelli, Dalot’s defensive awareness will be tested, but his ability to support in transition could also be a weapon.

Centre-backs – Lisandro Martínez & Raphaël Varane

Martínez brings the aggression, Varane brings the calm — together, they form United’s most balanced central defensive partnership. Injuries have often disrupted their pairing, but when fit, they complement each other beautifully.

Martínez’s ball-carrying ability will help break Arsenal’s press, while Varane’s positioning and aerial dominance will be crucial in dealing with the physical presence of Gabriel Jesus or the movement of Kai Havertz.

Left-back – Luke Shaw

Shaw’s return from injury is another boost. His overlapping runs provide width, and his link-up play with Marcus Rashford could be one of United’s most dangerous attacking outlets.

Against Arsenal’s right flank — likely Bukayo Saka and Ben White — Shaw will need to be at his best both defensively and in ball progression.

Midfield Three – Casemiro, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes

Casemiro

The Brazilian anchor remains the heartbeat of United’s midfield. His role will be to shield the defence, disrupt Arsenal’s passing patterns, and win the second balls that can spark counter-attacks. Casemiro’s leadership will be vital in such a high-pressure game.

Mason Mount

Mount’s work rate and pressing could be crucial against Arsenal’s possession game. He’ll look to connect midfield to attack, make late runs into the box, and support Casemiro in defensive transitions. This could be a defining game for Mount to silence doubters and justify his place in the starting XI.

Bruno Fernandes

United’s captain will again be the creative spark. His ability to find passes between the lines could unlock Arsenal’s defence, especially if Šeško and Rashford make clever runs. Fernandes’ vision and quick decision-making will be tested against Arsenal’s organised shape.

Right Wing – Antony

The Brazilian winger divides opinion, but Ten Hag values his defensive tracking and ability to stretch the pitch. Against Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, Antony’s role will be twofold — pinning him back to limit his influence in midfield, and cutting inside to unleash his left-footed shots.

While his end product still needs improvement, Antony’s tactical discipline could be important in this clash.

Left Wing – Marcus Rashford

United’s biggest threat in transition. Rashford’s pace and ability to exploit space behind defences make him lethal in big games, especially when Arsenal’s full-backs push high.

If United can draw Arsenal forward and release Rashford quickly, they could carve out their best chances of the match. Rashford’s battle with Ben White will be one of the game’s key duels.

Centre-forward – Benjamin Šeško 🔥

All eyes will be on the Slovenian striker. After weeks of anticipation, this could be Šeško’s full debut in the Premier League. Standing at 6’5” with blistering pace, Šeško offers a rare combination of physical presence and technical ability.

He’s not just a target man — he can stretch defences, link play, and finish clinically. Against Arsenal’s backline, his movement will be crucial, and if United can supply him with quality service, he has the tools to make an instant impact.

This could be the moment fans start to see why Ten Hag pushed so hard to bring him to Old Trafford.

Predicted XI (4-3-3 Formation)

GK:     Andre Onana  
RB:     Diogo Dalot  
CB:     Raphaël Varane  
CB:     Lisandro Martínez  
LB:     Luke Shaw  
CDM:    Casemiro  
CM:     Mason Mount  
CAM:    Bruno Fernandes (C)  
RW:     Antony  
LW:     Marcus Rashford  
ST:     Benjamin Šeško

Tactical Approach vs Arsenal

Ten Hag will likely prioritise defensive solidity in the opening stages, knowing Arsenal can overwhelm opponents with quick passing and rotations. United may look to frustrate them, stay compact, and hit on the break using Rashford and Šeško’s pace.

In possession, expect United to build from the back with Onana’s distribution, while Shaw and Dalot push high to provide width. Casemiro will drop deep to cover when the full-backs advance, with Mount and Fernandes tasked with finding the forwards quickly.

The key battle will be in midfield. If United can disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm and transition quickly, they can create high-quality chances.

Key Duels to Watch

Marcus Rashford vs Ben White – Speed vs positional discipline.
Casemiro vs Declan Rice – Midfield general vs midfield powerhouse.
Benjamin Šeško vs William Saliba & Gabriel – A test of physicality and movement.
Antony vs Oleksandr Zinchenko – Can Antony pin back the inverted full-back?

Prediction

While Arsenal are favourites on current form, United’s potential line-up has the tools to cause trouble — especially if Šeško can make an early statement and Onana’s return shores up the back.

If Ten Hag gets his tactical plan right, we could see a tightly contested match decided by fine margins. And if United’s predicted XI delivers, it might just be remembered as the game where their season truly kicked into gear.