Manchester United and Arsenal are two of the Premier League's most successful clubs and usual battles between the two clubs make for spectacles. Even when either side is enduring a gloomy period they at least possess one or two world class talents who can make magical moments happen in the blink of an eye.
The latest clash between United and the Gunners takes place on Sunday (August 17) and fans are getting excited to seee the season curtain raiser at Old Trafford. There's no doubt that this will be Ruben Amorim's team and that there can be no excuses given the ongoing business taking place in the transfer window
With that said, we have assessed both teams and come up with a combined XI of players from Amorim and Mikel Arteta's squad. We went with our Portuguese coach's three-at-the-back system and it makes for some interesting picks.
Goalkeeper - David Raya
David Raya arrived at Arsenal in the same summer that Andre Onana joined United and both were under pressure to be successful at their respective clubs. Raya was signed to replace Aaron Ramsdale and Arteta took plenty of criticsm for the decision.
There's no argument that Raya has been superior to Onana, excelling between the sticks and becoming one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe. There have been some shaky moments but the Spaniard is proving to be a major coup for the North Londoners while United are already pondering replacing their Cameroonian number one.
Centre-Back - Leny Yoro
While the captures of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are exciting, it's INEOS' Leny Yoro acquistion that could be one of the most important in the long run. The French centre-back was wanted by Real Madrid but the Reds won the race to bring him to Old Trafford.
Yoro started last season on the sidelines due to an foot injury and took time getting to grips with English football once he debuted. But the 19-year-old has grown into one of the most reliable players in Amorim's team and shown maturity beyond his years.
Centre-Back - William Saliba
Many feel Yoro is following in William Saliba's footsteps another French defender who arrived in the Premier League with a ton of hype. He was sent back to France for a loan at Marseille and this furthered his development into one of the most highly-regarded ball-playing centre-backs in Europe.
Saliba has been superb over the past two seasons, a key cog in the Gunners' machine that are trying to finally win the title. Madrid are sniffing around amid his contract expiring in a year so Arteta will no doubt want that sorted.
Centre-Back - Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes may have felt as though he was viewed as second best when Saliba starred two seasons ago. But the Brazilian has stepped up and become a leader for the North Londoners and the perfect partner for his French teammate in Arteta's defence.
There is an argument that the former United target (Arsenal beat us to his signature) outperformed Saliba last season. He's also a real threat from set pieces and when Declan Rice whips one in from a corner he's usually there to meet the ball.
Right Wing-Back - Amad
What can't this lad do? Whatever is asked of the Ivorian he delivers and he has looked tidy in this new right wing-back position which bodes well for Amorim and a potential partnership with Bryan Mbeumo.
Amad was one of only a few positives last season, a bright spark when fit and his winner against Manchester City at the Etihad will go down in history. He could be the difference between United getting European football or not come May 2026.
Central Midfield - Declan Rice
How United would love to have a player of Declan Rice's ilk in the middle of the park to work in tandem with the skipper. The English midfielder cost a hefty £105m but he is a box of all trades and a man for big occasions as seen from his unbelievable two free-kicks against Madrid last season.
Rice's profile is what Amorim is lacking, an all-action midfielder who is a workhorse with the ability to defend and attack. He has been a vital signing for Arteta and one has to wonder why he doesn't wear the captain's armband instead of the inconsistent Martin Odegaard.
Central Midfield - Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes ended the debate over who the better playmaker is between himself and Odegaard with perhaps his best season to date last term. The Portuguese midfielder was the beating heart of United who faltered and without him who knows how much further the Reds would have fallen.
This could be his final season at Old Trafford and he has long deserved to play in a team consisting of equally as gifted players such as Cunha. He is a dream for any manager and would strike up one of the Premier League's all-time greatest partnerships with Rice.
Left Wing-Back - Myles Lewis-Skelly
Once in a while a young Englishman explodes onto the scene, United know that all too well having watched Wayne Rooney's meteoric rise. The same can be said for Myles Lewis-Skelly who is ripping it up at Arsenal and making many forget that he's only 18 years of age.
Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation at left-back and his pace would allow him to operate as a wing-back. He has a reading of the game that many of his age group lack and he's not afraid to put himself about the pitch, riling up the opposition.
Right Attacker - Bukayo Saka
Speaking of an English star shining you can't ignore what Bukayo Saka has achieved since rising from Hale End academy and becoming the North London giants' talisman. He gives defenders a torrid time with his pace and deadly left foot.
Mbeumo will be a hit at Old Trafford but Saka has been one of the top-flight's best wingers for several years now. Let's hope a debate ensues over who is better because that will mean the Cameroonian has been a success.
Striker - Viktor Gyokeres
The toughest position to call because there are so many varying factors that come into play. On one hand you have Benjamin Sesko, who is the most exciting U23 striker in world football. If you want a long-term option, then the Slovenian is your man with a tremendous leap, making him a real nuisance in the air.
But Viktor Gyokeres scored 54 goals across competitions last season. That alone puts the Swede in our joint XI because he is the potent goalscorer both sides need after dismal outings from their respective forwards last season.
Left Attacker - Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha was on Arsenal's shortlist until he prioritised a move to United and made the switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian attacker was the least expensive of the Reds' three attacking signings but he could quickly become the most impacful.
That left side of Amorim's attack looked to be a problem with Marcus Rashford exiled. Cunha is a sensational replacement who is still only 25 and has the right attitude and mentality to be a hit. There was also little chance of Gabriel Martinelli getting in the team over him.
READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS HERE: