Mikel Arteta is set to oversee his 200th Premier League match as Arsenal take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. At 42 years and 348 days, he will become the second-youngest manager to reach the milestone, following Roberto Martinez. Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a competitive side, coming close to the league title twice and achieving stability that United would envy.
Arsenal go into the match after an emphatic 7-1 victory over PSV in the Champions League, a result that lifted morale following a difficult spell in the league. They remain 16 points behind Liverpool after a disappointing February but are still far ahead of a struggling United side, who are facing their worst-ever Premier League finish. The Red Devils have struggled under new boss Amorim, with inconsistent performances and an inability to score consistently.
Historically, United vs. Arsenal was one of the Premier League’s greatest rivalries, particularly during the Ferguson-Wenger era. However, recent years have seen a significant gap between the teams. Arsenal have won their last four league meetings with United, their longest such run in history. A victory on Sunday would mark consecutive away league wins at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979.
Opta’s supercomputer favours Arsenal, giving them a 51% chance of winning compared to United’s 23%, while a draw stands at 26%. If United win, they will claim their 100th victory against Arsenal, a feat no other team has achieved against the Gunners.
Arsenal’s recent struggles in attack have been evident, failing to score in their last two league matches. Injuries to key wingers have forced Arteta to explore new attacking options. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri has stepped up, scoring four goals in 2025, including one against PSV. Defenders like Riccardo Calafiori have also contributed, showcasing their attacking potential.
Arteta has a strong record against United, winning seven of his ten league meetings. He boasts the highest win percentage (70%) of any manager to face them at least five times in the Premier League. Meanwhile, United’s Bruno Fernandes remains their key player, having contributed to 108 goals since his debut in 2020.
As Arsenal push to stay in the title race and United fight for a top-half finish, Sunday’s clash will be crucial for both sides. Arteta’s milestone game could further cement Arsenal’s dominance over their old rivals.
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