Manchester United vs. Arsenal odds, bets Sunday

The most popular soap opera in the world, the English Premier League, returned this weekend and soccer fans are in for a terrific three-match card Sunday.

Manchester United versus Arsenal at Old Trafford serves as the headliner at 11:30 a.m. ET.

These two historic clubs have endured very different fates over the past three seasons, and they come into the new campaign under different kinds of pressure.

While Arsenal certainly will feel bitter about finishing runners-up three campaigns on the spin, they’re in a much better position than Manchester United, who are coming off their worst-ever finish in 2024-25.

The Red Devils, who finished 15th in the 20-team league last season, also set a new low-water mark in terms of points (42), wins (11), losses (18) and goals scored (44). 

Manchester United vs. Arsenal odds, predictions

There’s discontent between United’s massive fanbase and its owners, making this perhaps the most turbulent era for the club since the Premier League launched in 1992.

The good news for United is that it can’t get any worse. And while there remain plenty of skeptics in the betting market, I believe this is a decent opportunity to buy low on the Red Devils.

While there is always going to be pressure on any United squad, the atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams should be buoyant.

A fresh slate means optimism that things will turn around, and there’s no reason for the supporters to be mad at the team, yet.

I’d argue that the schedule-makers may have done the Red Devils a favor by sending Arsenal in Matchweek 1.

Taking on one of the title favorites (Arsenal is projected to have a 29.5 percent chance of winning the Premier League, according to the oddsmakers) right out of the gates is a bit of a free shot for a team that could use one.

And while Arsenal projects to be one of the best teams in Europe again this season, United has more than enough skill in its ranks to pull the upset.

The Red Devils have lacked a clear, cohesive vision for years, so they should benefit from a full offseason under Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese manager overhauled his attack, with Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko forming a new front three that, if it clicks, will be a terror to defend.

Defensively, United will have some questions to answer, but they’re going to be taking on an Arsenal side that has a tendency to play things a little too close to the vest at times under Mikel Arteta. 

The Gunners can do plenty of damage, but if you unsettle their process they often struggle to find a Plan B that puts defenses on their heels.

You’re not going to find many people excited to back Manchester United on Sunday, but that’s good news for us, as it has allowed us to nab the Red Devils as a home underdog north of +300 odds. 

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And if you’re feeling extra frisky (and reading this early enough Sunday morning), consider adding Crystal Palace +350 and the draw in Brentford-Nottingham Forest at +225 odds in the 9 a.m. matches to create a 59/1 parlay to potentially turn this into a Sunday to remember.

The Play: Manchester United (+310, bet365)

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Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.