Arsenal vs Man United Lineups – Confirmed Starting XI and Preview
The Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United on 25 January 2026 at the Emirates Stadium saw both sides field their strongest available XIs. Here are the confirmed lineups, the pre-match predictions, and a detailed look at how the formations compared.
Arsenal went with a 4-3-3 shape while Manchester United opted for a 4-2-3-1. The match, refereed by Craig Pawson with Paul Tierney on VAR, kicked off at 4:30 p.m. GMT and ended with the visitors taking all three points.
The lineups confirmed several key selection decisions that previews had speculated about. Gabriel Jesus started up front for Arsenal, while Bryan Mbeumo led the line for United.
What are the confirmed lineups for Arsenal vs Man United today?
Key selection insights
- Arsenal’s 4-3-3 had Gabriel Jesus as the central striker, not Viktor Gyökeres as some previews had projected.
- Manchester United trusted Senne Lammens in goal behind a centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez.
- Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Martín Zubimendi formed Arsenal’s midfield three.
- United used Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo as a double pivot, with Bruno Fernandes higher up as the No. 10.
- Arsenal’s back four featured Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel and Piero Hincapié.
- United’s full-backs were Diogo Dalot on the right and Luke Shaw on the left.
Confirmed starting XIs
| Team | Player | Position | Formation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | David Raya | Goalkeeper | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Jurriën Timber | Defender | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | William Saliba | Defender | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Gabriel | Defender | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Piero Hincapié | Defender | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Martin Ødegaard | Midfielder | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Martín Zubimendi | Midfielder | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Declan Rice | Midfielder | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Bukayo Saka | Forward | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Gabriel Jesus | Forward | 4-3-3 |
| Arsenal | Leandro Trossard | Forward | 4-3-3 |
| Manchester United | Senne Lammens | Goalkeeper | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Diogo Dalot | Defender | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Harry Maguire | Defender | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Lisandro Martínez | Defender | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Luke Shaw | Defender | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Casemiro | Midfielder | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Kobbie Mainoo | Midfielder | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Amad | Midfielder | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Bruno Fernandes | Midfielder | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Patrick Dorgu | Midfielder | 4-2-3-1 |
| Manchester United | Bryan Mbeumo | Forward | 4-2-3-1 |
What are the predicted lineups for Arsenal vs Man United?
Before the official teams were released, several outlets published their best guesses. Sports Illustrated projected an Arsenal 4-3-3 with Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard. The only difference from the actual XI was Viktor Gyökeres instead of Gabriel Jesus.
For Manchester United, the same source predicted a 4-2-3-1 of Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo. That forecast matched the confirmed lineup exactly.
The only change between the widely predicted Arsenal lineup and the actual one was at centre-forward: Gyökeres was projected but Gabriel Jesus started. United’s predicted XI was identical to the confirmed team.
How the predicted lineups compared
FotMob’s match page also listed the same projected Arsenal and United XIs ahead of kick-off. The fact that only one out of 22 starting positions differed between the forecasts and the real teams suggests managers were transparent in their pre-match media appearances.
What do the stats say about Arsenal vs Man United lineups?
The match statistics, recorded by FotMob, highlight how the game played out once the lineups were finalised. Despite the 2-3 scoreline, Arsenal dominated several key metrics.
Possession and chance creation
Arsenal recorded 56% possession against United’s 44%. They generated 1.19 xG from 15 shots, while United managed 0.71 xG from 10 attempts. The hosts also registered 28 touches inside the opposition box, compared to just 9 for the visitors. Those numbers point to a game where Arsenal controlled territory but United were more clinical.
Arsenal’s 1.19 xG and 28 box touches suggest they created the better chances overall, yet United won 3-2. This underlines how final scorelines do not always reflect the balance of play.
Head-to-head form before kick-off
Entering the match, Arsenal had won three, lost one and drawn one of the previous five meetings between the two clubs. Sports Illustrated had predicted a 3-1 home win for the Gunners.
What happened in recent Arsenal vs Man United matches (3-1 and 3-2 results)?
The 2-3 final score at the Emirates continues a recent trend of high-scoring encounters. While the match did not produce a 3-1 or 3-2 result for Arsenal, the 2-3 outcome mirrored the attacking nature of past fixtures.
Match outcome and league context
The result was a significant one for the Premier League 2025/2026 season. United’s away win tightened the top-four race, while Arsenal missed a chance to strengthen their position at the Emirates.
Pre-match projections are never guarantees. While Sports Illustrated’s predicted XI for United proved accurate, Arsenal’s starting forward was different. Confirmed lineups should always be checked against official sources released about 60 minutes before kick-off.
When were the lineups confirmed and what events preceded the match?
- Match week: Injury reports were published, with both clubs managing knocks to key players.
- Pre-match press conferences: Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim gave their usual briefings, offering hints about potential changes.
- 90 minutes before kick-off: Unofficial predicted lineups appeared on platforms such as FotMob and Sports Illustrated.
- 60 minutes before kick-off: The Premier League released the official team sheets, confirming the 4-3-3 vs 4-2-3-1 matchup.
- 4:30 p.m. GMT, 25 January 2026: The match kicked off at the Emirates Stadium under referee Craig Pawson.
Which players were confirmed starters and which remained uncertain?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Arsenal’s confirmed XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Trossard. | Whether any player had been carrying an injury that required a late fitness test has not been publicly detailed. |
| United’s confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo. | The specific reasons behind Viktor Gyökeres missing the start are not fully explained in available sources. |
| Craig Pawson was the referee, Paul Tierney the VAR. | Full injury lists and return timelines for both squads were not published alongside the lineups. |
What was the tactical significance of the Arsenal vs Man United lineups?
The two formations created a clear midfield battle. Arsenal’s 4-3-3, with Ødegaard, Zubimendi and Rice, was designed to control possession and press high. United’s 4-2-3-1, anchored by Casemiro and Mainoo, aimed to absorb pressure and release Fernandes and Amad in transition.
The selection of Gabriel Jesus over Gyökeres gave Arsenal a more mobile forward who could drop deep, while Mbeumo’s pace on the counter suited United’s game plan. The data from the match — Arsenal’s 56% possession and 28 box touches versus United’s 44% and 9 — reflects exactly this tactical split.
Where did the confirmed lineup information come from?
Multiple sources published the official starting XIs. FotMob’s live match centre provided the lineups alongside in-play statistics such as possession and xG. FootballCritic offered a dedicated lineup page, and the Premier League’s own match page carried the official team sheets.
The confirmed Arsenal lineup was a 4-3-3: David Raya; Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapié; Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard.
FotMob live match centre
Manchester United’s confirmed lineup was a 4-2-3-1: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo.
FotMob live match centre
Sports Illustrated projected Arsenal in a 4-3-3 with Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard, while Manchester United were projected in a 4-2-3-1 with Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo.
Sports Illustrated match preview
What was the outcome of the Arsenal vs Man United match?
Manchester United defeated Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium in Premier League Round 23. Despite trailing on possession (44%) and expected goals (0.71 to 1.19), United made the most of their chances. The result added a valuable away victory to their season tally and demonstrated the effectiveness of the 4-2-3-1 setup against Arsenal’s 4-3-3. For a deeper look at recent meetings between Arsenal and other European sides, see Arsenal F.C. vs PSV Eindhoven Timeline – Full History & Results.
Frequently asked questions about Arsenal vs Man United lineups
Where can I watch Arsenal vs Man United live?
Broadcasting details depend on regional rights. In the UK, matches are typically shown on Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
What time was kick-off for Arsenal vs Man United?
The match kicked off at 4:30 p.m. GMT on Sunday, 25 January 2026 at the Emirates Stadium.
Who was injured for Arsenal vs Man United?
Injury updates are published in official team news closer to match day. No major injuries affecting the confirmed lineups were reported in the available sources.
What formation did Arsenal use?
Arsenal started in a 4-3-3 formation with Raya in goal; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Hincapié in defence; and a midfield three of Ødegaard, Zubimendi and Rice.
What formation did Manchester United use?
Manchester United lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Casemiro and Mainoo as the double pivot behind Fernandes, Amad and Dorgu, and Mbeumo as the lone striker.
How can I get tickets for Arsenal vs Man United?
Tickets are sold through the official Arsenal and Manchester United websites, as well as authorised resellers.
Who scored in the match?
The match ended 2-3 to Manchester United. Full goal details are available on FotMob and the Premier League match centre.
Was Viktor Gyökeres in the starting lineup?
No. Viktor Gyökeres did not start for Arsenal. Gabriel Jesus was chosen as the centre-forward instead.
Who was the referee?
Craig Pawson was the on-field referee, with Paul Tierney serving as the video assistant referee.
How did the result affect the Premier League table?
The away win helped United strengthen their top-four position, while Arsenal missed an opportunity to gain ground at home. For more on United’s league form, read Man United vs Aston Villa – 3-1 Win Bolsters Top-Four Grip.
More related posts
Wreck-It Ralph – Plot, Cast, and Sequels Explained
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt – Age, Twin Brother and 2026 Milestones
Joe Bartolozzi – Age, Net Worth, Biography and Facts
Nella Rose – Biography, Real Name, Net Worth, and Parents
Olivia Rodrigo – Full Biography, Music, Tour, and Fan Guide
Bernard Hill – Cause of Death, Roles, and Legacy at 79
Jill St John – I Rullstol, Gift Med Wagner Och Livet 2025
Patricia Heaton – Biography, Net Worth and Family Life
