Both squads look stronger than the second half of last season, but even the most one-eyed United fans are realistic enough to know the teams have different aspirations. There is pressure on Arteta and Arsenal to get over the line and win the title, while United need to convince people they are a coherent team who can challenge for Europe.

This extended absence throws André Onana’s future into question. Initially rumored to be leaving during the transfer window before Manchester United decided to keep him, the former Inter Milan shot-stopper now faces a spell on the sidelines that could last up to eight weeks.

That means, with Onana winning his battle to be fit for United’s Premier League curtain raiser against Arsenal on Sunday, the Cameroonian will almost certainly remain as No 1, with Ruben Amorim giving the error-prone stopper his full backing ahead of the new campaign.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim knows his side must be much improved this season after last term's dismal campaign and one man who could have left in the summer but who remains is Andre Onana

With the Red Devils hosting the Gunners at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, the injury status of Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui is still up in the air. Indeed, none of the foursome were involved or even named on the bench as United played their final friendly of the summer at home to Fiorentina last Saturday.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee are both in line to return to the Red Devils squad for Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

However, in terms of selling Hojlund, AC Milan are currently in talks to sign the Danish attacker, with a figure of around £38m suggested in a potential loan to buy deal. If United were to agree a deal with Milan, they could instead suggest a swap deal, which would see Hojlund move to Milan, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan join United.

As previously reported by the Manchester Evening News in January, head coach Ruben Amorim is keen on bringing in a shot-stopper who can provide stiff competition for Andre Onana for the coveted No. 1 spot.