Manchester United kickstart their season with one of the toughest tests possible against Arsenal at Old Trafford today (August 17). The Red Devils have shown glimpses of promise during pre-season that bode well ahead of a crucial campaign for Ruben Amorim.
A nightmare 15th-placed finish and defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final have already put Amorim under pressure. He has constantly talked a good game but the results need to improve for the Portuguese.
A win over Arsenal would be the perfect start to a new era of sorts where a new-look team will be on show. But what are the major talking points as the Reds encounter one of their fiercest rivals?
Talking Points: Man United vs Arsenal
Will Amorim's new frontline click from the off?
Manchester United's transfer business has been focused on Amorim's attack and understandbly so given how poor his forwards were last season. INEOS have backed him with three high-profile names: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
The attacking trio could start their first game together against Arsenal and are viewed as the long-term front three moving forward. If Amorim hands a start to debutant Sesko, we might get an understanding of just how successful the new frontline could be.
Mbeumo and Cunha have proven Premier League experience, finishing amongst the top goalscorers last season. All eyes will be on Sesko who, at 22, is still a work in progress but seems to have the character to be a big threat up top.
Will Gyokeres come back to haunt Amorim?
Many will be keen to see how Sesko performs against Arsenal, given he was previously Mikel Arteta's preferred number nine target. But the biggest subplot of this game is about Viktor Gyokeres facing his former Sporting CP boss Amorim.
The pair grew close during their time in Portugal and it was Amorim who helped develop the Swede into one of Europe's best goalscorers. There were suggestions that United were interested in signing him but he always priortised a move to the Emirates.
Amorim knows Gyokeres well and that might come to the Reds' aid at Old Trafford. But the Swedish frontman may have the bit between his teeth to remind his former coach just how clincal he can be.
Are United back on track?
It feels extremely unlikely that United will be worse off than they were last season and that's because of the hard work that's gone into recruitment. That includes outings, with Marcus Rashford sent out on loan to Barcelona and the likes of the problematic Alejandro Garnacho banished from the first team.
There should be no distractions for Amorim and his team who are the players he's happy to have at the club. But the showdown with the Gunners could go a long way in showcasing whether the Portuguese has what it takes to steer the Red Devils back up the table and into European contention.
A strong showing at Old Trafford will get the momentum going and hopefully prove that last season is well and truly behind them. They need a positive performance to make fans forgive and forget.
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