As the new Premier League season looms, all eyes are on Manchester United’s opening day clash against formidable rivals Arsenal. Manager Ruben Amorim faces immediate pressure to significantly improve on past performances, with the club hierarchy reportedly targeting a top-six finish this campaign.

The Reds’ early fixtures are particularly challenging, featuring encounters with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea within the first five matches. This demanding schedule underscores the urgent need for a stronger, more cohesive United side compared to their previous season’s inconsistent displays.

Despite the daunting start, recent pre-season victories over West Ham and Bournemouth have offered glimmers of hope and genuine signs of encouragement. However, these exhibition results remain largely meaningless unless translated into crucial positive outcomes when the competitive action truly begins.

Key injury concerns continue to plague the squad, with defensive lynchpin Lisandro Martinez expected to return only after the September international break. While confident of full fitness for the season opener, his potential absence raises questions about the defensive solidity against a potent Arsenal attack.

Beyond the immediate defensive worries, players like Mazraoui and Zirkzee are poised to play crucial squad roles, providing depth and options. Young talents Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw could also seize significant opportunities to impress while senior players, notably Martinez, remain sidelined.

A significant decision looms in goal regarding Andre Onana’s fitness for the Arsenal fixture. Should he lack match sharpness, Amorim faces the difficult choice of selecting his preferred custodian, a critical position that demands unwavering confidence and readiness from the very first whistle.

Altay Bayindir, recognized as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper, has steadily established himself as a dependable figure within the squad. His impressive performance against Bournemouth in midweek pre-season action certainly bolstered his claim for a starting spot if Onana is not deemed fully fit.

Veteran Tom Heaton’s experience and consistent form arguably place him ahead of Bayindir in the pecking order for some observers. While a long-term replacement for Onana is unlikely, the crucial Arsenal match could provide Heaton with a rare, invaluable chance to prove his worth between the sticks.