The start of the 2024/25 top-flight season is edging closer and both of these big hitters will be keen to ramp up their preparations ahead of the big kick off on August 16th.
After pushing Man City all the way last season, Arsenal will be aiming to go one better this time around in their quest for a first English crown since 2004.
Mikel Arteta’s men kicked off their three-game Stateside tour with a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in midweek, with the capital club coming out on top 5-4 in the subsequent penalty shootout.
As for Manchester United, they have decided to keep the faith with Erik ten Hag as manager, despite the Dutchman overseeing an eighth placed finish, the club’s lowest ever placing in the top-flight.
How the bookies view it: Gunners too hot to handle
Arsenal are even-money favourites on Betfred to come out on top in this all Premier League friendly fixture.
Manchester United are 15/8 (Betfred) outsiders while an all square affair at SoFi Stadium can be backed at 11/4 on Betfred. Given that United’s tour squad looks stronger than that of Arsenal’s, backing the Old Trafford outfit with a +1 start on the handicap stands out at 8/11 on Betfred.
Arenal triumphed in both Premier League meetings between the duo last season, the most recent of which was a narrow 1-0 at Old Trafford towards the tail end of the campaign.
In fact, Mikel Arteta’s men have come out on top in four of the last five contests between the pair, including each of the last three.
Martin Odegaard has evolved into a talismanic figure at Arsenal and he will be desperate to lead his side to silverware during the forthcoming season. The Norwegian ace hit double figures for both goals and assists last season.
Amad Diallo ended the season strongly for Man United and he has since netted in a 2-0 friendly win over Rangers.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, David Raya, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and William Saliba are not on tour with Arsenal in the states following their involvement at Euro 2024.
It’s a similar story for Man United, who will be without several of their Euro 2024 and Copa America contingent.
Arsenal: Hein; White, Timber, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Smith Rowe; Vieira, Nketiah, Jesus
Man United: Onana; Lindelof, Yoro, Maguire,Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Mount, McTominay, Amad. Rashford; Hojlund
Man United got their summer tour of the United States up and running with a 2-0 win over Arsenal last year and the Red Devils could be worth backing to score twice here at 20/21 on Betfred.
United boss ten Hag has named a strong squad for his side’s US excursion and they could prove too strong for an Arsenal side that have a blend of experience and youth within their ranks.
The Gunners failed to beat Bournemouth in midweek and the Red Devils will present an upgrade on that challenge, making 2+ United goals a tempting proposition at a shade below evens.