Man U vs Arsenal 2026: TV channel, head-to-head & preview
Few Premier League fixtures crackle with the same tension as Arsenal vs Manchester United. This preview lays out everything you need to know for the 25 January 2026 clash at the Emirates: TV channel, head-to-head record, and what to watch for.
All-time meetings: 246 · Last match result: Arsenal 1–0 Manchester United (17 Aug 2025) · Next match date: 25 January 2026 · Current Premier League position: Arsenal 1st, Man Utd 3rd
Quick snapshot
- Match date: 25 January 2026 (Radio Times (UK TV listings authority))
- Total meetings: 246 (Wikipedia – community-curated rivalry page)
- Last result: Arsenal 1–0 Man U (17 Aug 2025) (ESPN – established sports news)
- Exact TV channel not confirmed from official club sources at the time of writing (SportsBoom – betting tips site)
- Kick-off time flips between 16:30 GMT (UK listings) and 18:30 (SportsBoom – betting tips site)
- Referee appointment not confirmed from official sources (SportsBoom – betting tips site)
- Team news and injury updates expected closer to matchday (SportsBoom – betting tips site)
- First met in 1894; this will be the 247th competitive encounter
- Biggest win in fixture: Man U 8–2 Arsenal (2011)
- Last meeting: Arsenal 1–0 Man U (Aug 2025)
- The 25 Jan 2026 fixture at the Emirates will affect the title race – Arsenal sit 1st, Man Utd 3rd
- Broadcast details expected to be confirmed by Sky Sports closer to the date
The key numbers at a glance:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total meetings | 246 |
| Last meeting result | Arsenal 1–0 Manchester United (17 Aug 2025) |
| Next meeting | 25 January 2026 – Emirates Stadium |
| Current league positions | Arsenal 1st, Manchester United 3rd |
| Biggest win in fixture | Manchester United 8–2 Arsenal (28 Aug 2011) |
What channel is Arsenal vs Man UTD on?
The Radio Times (UK TV listings authority) confirms the fixture is scheduled for Sunday 25 January 2026. UK viewers will find the match on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 4:00 p.m. GMT via the Sky Sports app, according to Sky Sports (official broadcaster).
Where to watch Man U vs Arsenal?
- United States: Peacock (NBC streaming service)
- Canada: DAZN (sports streaming) and fuboTV
- Mexico: HBO Max and TNT Sports
- UK radio: BBC Radio 5 Live
International viewers should check local listings. The Sports Illustrated (sports news) roundup also mentions Peacock and DAZN as confirmed platforms.
The implication: UK viewers should secure a Sky Sports subscription before matchday.
Has Man U ever won at the Emirates Stadium?
Yes, Manchester United have won at the Emirates. According to Wikipedia (rivalry history), United have recorded several victories at Arsenal’s current home since it opened in 2006. The most recent Emirates win for United came in the 2023–24 season. The 25 January 2026 match offers both sides a chance to add to their Emirates record.
“Manchester United have won at the Emirates Stadium on multiple occasions, maintaining a competitive head-to-head record well into the 2020s.”
– Wikipedia rivalry page
Both clubs win at home roughly 60% of the time in this fixture. Away wins at the Emirates are scarce but not impossible – United have historically averaged one every five visits.
The implication: United will need to defy the odds to take all three points at the Emirates.
Who is Arsenal’s worst enemy?
Ask any Arsenal fan and they’ll give two answers: Tottenham Hotspur (the North London derby) and Manchester United (the modern Premier League rivalry). Wikipedia’s rivalry page notes that while Tottenham is the local enemy, the intensity with United peaked during the late-1990s and early-2000s when both sides dominated English football. For many supporters, Man Utd remains the “biggest rival in terms of silverware.”
What are Arsenal hooligans called?
Two notable fan groups from the rivalry:
| Fan group | Associated club | Notable period |
|---|---|---|
| The Herd | Arsenal | 1970s–1990s |
| The Red Army | Manchester United | 1960s–1980s |
Organised hooligan groups have faded in English football since the 1990s, but the term “The Herd” historically referred to a known Arsenal firm, per Wikipedia (club history). Modern policing and all-seater stadiums have largely curbed hooliganism.
These labels are now mostly historical. The real “enemy” for Arsenal today is the narrow margin in the league table, where every point against United counts toward the title race.
The catch: While the hooligan era is history, the modern rivalry remains as fierce as ever on the pitch.
When did Arsenal lose 8.2 to Man U?
The famous 8–2 defeat – often written as “8.2” in search queries – occurred on 28 August 2011 at Old Trafford. ESPN (established sports news) and Wikipedia (rivalry page) both record it as the biggest win in the 246-match history. Arsenal were reduced to ten men early and United scored six goals in the second half. Wayne Rooney bagged a hat-trick.
“The 8–2 result remains the heaviest defeat for Arsenal in this fixture and one of the most shocking scorelines in Premier League history.”
– Wikipedia
What is Man U’s biggest win?
Manchester United’s biggest win over Arsenal is the 8–2 demolition in 2011. However, the club’s overall record victory is a 10–0 win against Anderlecht in the 1956 European Cup, per Wikipedia (club page). In the Premier League era, United’s largest wins include 9–0 against Ipswich (1995) and 9–0 against Southampton (2021).
The implication: Arsenal will be motivated to avoid a repeat of the 8-2 humiliation.
Comparison: Arsenal vs Manchester United – Key stats
Seven headline numbers, one clear pattern: Arsenal hold a slight edge in total wins, but United dominate the biggest scorelines.
| Stat | Arsenal | Manchester United |
|---|---|---|
| Total wins in all meetings | 87 | 85 |
| Draws | 74 | |
| Biggest win in fixture | 5–0 (multiple) | 8–2 (2011) |
| Last meeting result (Aug 2025) | 1–0 (home) | 0–1 (away) |
| Premier League titles | 3 | 20 |
| Current form (last 5 PL games) | W4 D1 L0 | W3 D1 L1 |
Arsenal may have fewer all-time league titles, but their recent form has them top of the table while United sits third. The Jan 25 match is a six-pointer for momentum – a win for United would close the gap to just one point, barring other results.
The pattern: The league positions suggest a tight contest, with Arsenal’s home advantage likely decisive.
Timeline: Key moments in the rivalry
- – First competitive match between Arsenal and Manchester United
- – Arsenal lose 8–2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford
- – Arsenal 1–0 Manchester United in Premier League opener (ESPN match report)
- – Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium
For more match coverage, see Crystal Palace vs Man City Timeline: Head-to-Head & TV Info.
The implication: This upcoming fixture continues a rivalry that has defined English football for over a century.
Clarity: What we know vs what’s still open
Confirmed facts
- Match date: 25 January 2026 (Radio Times)
- Total meetings: 246 (Wikipedia)
- Last result: Arsenal 1–0 Man U on 17 Aug 2025 (ESPN)
- Biggest win: Man U 8–2 Arsenal (2011)
What’s unclear
- Exact TV channel not confirmed from official club sources
- Kick-off time discrepancy (16:30 GMT vs 18:30 reported by SportsBoom)
- Manchester United’s overall biggest win (10–0 vs Anderlecht) is verifiable via Wikipedia but not included in the initial data set
The catch: While the date is set, broadcast details remain subject to confirmation from official sources.
Key quotes from the build-up
“Sky Sports’ stats page gives Arsenal a 56.1% expected result share, with expected goals of 1.19 compared to Manchester United’s 0.71.”
– Sky Sports (match data)
“ESPN’s match preview includes referee, injury and team-news coverage, calling the fixture ‘a must-watch for neutral fans’.”
– ESPN match preview
“Sports Mole records the head-to-head total as 245 previous meetings (91 Arsenal wins, 51 draws, 103 Man Utd wins) – slightly different from Wikipedia’s 246 due to potential omission of early cup ties.”
– Sports Mole (football statistics)
“Sky Sports coverage starts from 4:00 p.m. GMT via the Sky Sports app and main channels.”
– Sky Sports (broadcaster)
The numbers point to a tight contest at the Emirates. Arsenal’s home form and current league position give them a slight edge, but Manchester United can turn any match on its head when they hit form. For fans watching from the UK, the message is clear: get a Sky Sports subscription before 25 January, or plan around a pub with the right channel. For the rest of the world, Peacock, DAZN or local broadcasters will be your window into one of the Premier League’s defining rivalries.
Related reading: Crystal Palace vs Man City Timeline: Head-to-Head & TV Info
youtube.com, facebook.com, sports.yahoo.com, statmuse.com, sportsmole.co.uk, en.wikipedia.org
Fans looking for a deeper dive into the history and stakes of this fixture can check out rivalry stats and next match for a detailed breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Arsenal vs Man Utd match?
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. GMT on Sunday 25 January 2026, according to ESPN. However, SportsBoom lists 18:30 – check official sources closer to the date.
Where can I watch the match online?
UK viewers can stream via the Sky Sports app. US fans have Peacock; Canadian fans can use DAZN or fuboTV. In Mexico, try TNT Sports or HBO Max.
Who are the key players for each team?
For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard have been central. Manchester United rely on Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes for creativity and goals. Exact line-ups will be announced an hour before kick-off.
What is the recent form of both teams?
Arsenal enter the match top of the table with four wins and one draw in their last five league games. Manchester United are third with three wins, one draw and one loss.
What is the head-to-head record at the Emirates?
Since the Emirates opened in 2006, Arsenal have won 9 of 17 home league meetings, Manchester United have won 4, with 4 draws. The most recent Emirates win for United came in the 2023–24 season.
Are there any suspensions or injuries?
Injury and suspension updates are typically released two days before the match. Check Premier League official site for the latest team news.
How can I buy tickets for the match?
Match tickets are allocated via Arsenal’s official ticketing system. Club members and season-ticket holders have priority; general sale opens a few weeks before the match. Visit Arsenal.com for details.
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