United Dealt Defensive Blow Ahead of Season Opener Against Arsenal

Manchester United will head into their Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal without two of their key defenders, Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui.

Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed the double blow on Friday, just two days before United welcome the Gunners to Old Trafford for what promises to be a fiery start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Martínez remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury, while Mazraoui misses out due to a hamstring strain.

On the brighter side, Amorim revealed that goalkeeper André Onana and forward Joshua Zirkzee are in contention after recent knocks, while summer signing Benjamin Šeško could make his highly anticipated debut.

“No, Licha [Lisandro Martínez] and Mazraoui are out, they cannot play this game. Josh [Zirkzee] and Andre [Onana] are recovering and are options. We’ll see,” Amorim told reporters.

Opinion:
For a manager trying to stamp his authority on a new season, losing two starting defenders before the first whistle is hardly the ideal start. Against an Arsenal side known for its quick transitions and clinical edge, United’s backline will be tested immediately.

However, football is as much about opportunity as it is about setbacks. This could be the perfect chance for Amorim to showcase his tactical adaptability and for fringe defenders to stake a claim for a regular spot. The return of Onana’s leadership in goal and the prospect of Šeško’s debut add a layer of intrigue to what already feels like a statement game.

One thing’s for sure—if United can grind out a win against Arsenal with a patched-up defence, it will send a message that they mean business this season.