Why are Onana, Hojlund, and Garnacho not playing for Manchester United vs Arsenal today, August 17?

The start of the 2025-26 Premier League season saw Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford in a highly anticipated game. With many tuning in from all over the world, fans have noticed some significant absentees on the home side. Neither Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, nor Alejandro Garnacho were seen in action for the Red Devils.

The reason behind their absences may have slight differences, but all three of them may have their days numbered in Manchester. Onana recovered from a hamstring injury after missing much of the preseason, but coach Rubem Amorim still opted to start Altay Bayındır.

Hojlund, meanwhile, was left out of the matchday squad to play Arsenal as his future at the club looks up in the air. Instead, Matheus Cunha started up front for Manchester United, with Benjamin Sesko waiting for his chance on the bench.

Garnacho also appears to be on the way out, and all signs are pointing to a move to Chelsea before deadline day. In fact, Manchester United fans vandalized a picture of the winger before kickoff against Arsenal.

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25

Amorim explains decision not to play Onana and Hojlund

Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Amorim explained his decision to overlook Hojlund and Onana for the Premier League debut. “No Hojlund or Onana in the squad at all, what does that mean for those guys?,” the journalist asked.

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“It’s an option, we try to choose the best players for each game. Next week is a different life and this week we chose these players,” Amorim replied, before clarifying that Onana isn’t injured anymore. “No no no, he recovered. But the other guys did so well during pre-season so I need to balance that.”