Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has delivered his first squad update ahead of the club’s opening fixture of the 2025/26 Premier League season, as the Reds prepare to host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Amorim shared positive news during Friday’s press conference, confirming that goalkeeper Andre Onana and forward Joshua Zirkzee are back in contention after recovering from injuries that kept them sidelined throughout pre-season.
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New signing Benjamin Sesko could also make his first appearance in a United shirt, just a week after completing his transfer from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian striker has been training with the squad and is deemed physically ready for action.
The only likely absentees for the season opener are defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez.”Nous and Licha are out,” Amorim told reporters at United’s newly upgraded Carrington training complex.
“They cannot play in this game. Josh recovered, Andre recovered, they are options for this game, we will see.”
Asked whether Sesko could lead the line from the start, the manager expressed full confidence in the 21-year-old’s readiness.
“Of course,” Amorim said. “We didn’t have a lot of time but he’s ready. First of all, physically, he’s ready. That is a big component in our league.
“Then, he’s really smart. Every detail he asks, he’s a guy that is always thinking. He spends all afternoon here working on his fitness, so he’s ready to play, we will see if he’s going to start.”
Sunday’s match will be a major early test for Amorim, as he aims to outwit Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal — last season’s Premier League runners-up — and start his tenure with a statement victory in front of the home crowd.
