As Manchester United prepare to face Arsenal in their Premier League opener at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025, the Red Devils will need to be on high alert for one of Arsenal’s most dynamic and dangerous talents: **Martin Ødegaard**. The Gunners’ captain has been a pivotal figure in Mikel Arteta’s setup, and his recent form, combined with his history against United, makes him the player Ruben Amorim’s side should fear most in this high-stakes encounter.
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### Why Ødegaard Is the Danger Man
Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal’s 26-year-old Norwegian midfielder, has evolved into one of the Premier League’s premier playmakers. His vision, technical ability, and knack for delivering in big moments have made him the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack. As of August 12, 2025, Ødegaard is coming off a stellar 2024/25 season, where he contributed 8 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, including a brace in Arsenal’s 7-1 Champions League thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in March 2025. His ability to dictate the tempo, unlock defenses, and score from distance poses a unique threat to a Manchester United side grappling with injury concerns and tactical transitions under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Ødegaard’s record against Manchester United is particularly concerning for the Red Devils. He has scored twice in seven Premier League games against them, including a crucial goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at the Emirates in December 2024. His ability to exploit spaces in United’s midfield, especially with key players like Lisandro Martinez (out until October with a knee injury) and Kobbie Mainoo (doubtful with a calf issue), could prove decisive. United’s midfield, likely anchored by Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, has struggled to contain creative No. 10s, and Ødegaard’s movement off the ball and precise passing make him a nightmare matchup.
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### Ødegaard’s Tactical Edge
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Ødegaard operating as the most advanced midfielder alongside Declan Rice and Thomas Partey. This setup allows Ødegaard to drift into pockets of space, either dropping deep to orchestrate play or surging forward to join the attack. His ability to switch play with pinpoint long balls or thread passes to wingers like Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri could exploit United’s makeshift defense, which may feature Victor Lindelof or an inexperienced Ayden Heaven due to injuries to Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
Ødegaard’s impact isn’t limited to his passing. His pressing intensity aligns perfectly with Arteta’s high-pressing philosophy, which could disrupt United’s attempts to build from the back, especially if Andre Onana, who is questionable with a hamstring issue, starts in goal. In Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford last season, Ødegaard’s relentless work rate forced turnovers that led to Leandro Trossard’s winning goal. With United’s squad stretched thin—potentially missing up to six first-team players—Ødegaard’s ability to capitalize on loose balls and transition quickly could tilt the game in Arsenal’s favor.
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### Recent Form and Momentum
Ødegaard’s form heading into the 2025/26 season is ominous for United. In Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao, he created three big chances and scored a long-range stunner, showcasing his ability to influence games from anywhere on the pitch. Posts on X from Arsenal fans have highlighted his leadership, with one user describing him as “the captain we’ve needed for years” after his commanding performance. His three goal involvements (two goals, one assist) in Arsenal’s recent Champions League rout of PSV further underline his confidence and match-winning potential.
By contrast, Manchester United’s pre-season has been solid but unspectacular, with a penalty shootout win over Fiorentina (1-1 draw) marking their final warm-up game. Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system relies heavily on Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho for creativity, but Ødegaard’s ability to outmaneuver Fernandes in midfield battles could neutralize United’s attacking threat. With Arsenal favored to win in 62% of Opta’s 10,000 pre-match simulations, Ødegaard’s influence is a key reason for their edge.
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### How United Can Counter Ødegaard
To contain Ødegaard, United will need to disrupt his rhythm early. Amorim could task Casemiro with man-marking the Norwegian, using the veteran’s physicality to limit his time on the ball. However, Casemiro’s lack of mobility could be exposed by Ødegaard’s quick feet and clever movement. Alternatively, Noussair Mazraoui, United’s November Player of the Month, might be deployed to track Ødegaard’s runs from deep, but this could leave gaps on the flanks for Arsenal’s wingers to exploit.
United’s best hope lies in soaking up pressure and hitting Arsenal on the counter, as Ødegaard’s advanced positioning can sometimes leave spaces behind. However, with Arsenal’s defense—led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes—conceding just 1.2 goals per game last season, United’s out-of-form forwards like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee (both questionable for the match) may struggle to capitalize.
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### Why Ødegaard Stands Out
While Arsenal’s attack is depleted with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Ødegaard’s ability to elevate those around him makes him the focal point. Players like Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard, who have stepped up in recent weeks, rely on Ødegaard’s vision to create scoring opportunities. His two assists against United in previous encounters show he thrives in this fixture, and his recent form suggests he’s ready to dominate again.
Manchester United’s injury crisis and lack of cohesion under Amorim only amplify Ødegaard’s threat. As Gary Neville noted in a recent prediction, Arsenal’s sharpness and extra preparation time give them the edge, with Ødegaard likely to be the match-winner. If United fail to neutralize the Arsenal captain, he could orchestrate a victory that sets the tone for the Gunners’ title chase.
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### Final Thoughts
As Manchester United and Arsenal renew their historic rivalry on August 17, 2025, Martin Ødegaard looms as the player who could tip the scales. His blend of creativity, goal-scoring threat, and relentless pressing makes him a complete midfielder capable of dismantling United’s fragile setup. With Arsenal aiming for a fifth consecutive league win over the Red Devils—a feat they’ve never achieved—the stage is set for Ødegaard to shine. United must devise a plan to contain him, or risk starting their season with a sobering defeat at Old Trafford.
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