Manchester United endured a season marked by a significantly low number of matches and early exits from domestic cup competitions. The "Red Devils" lost to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the second round of the League Cup and fell 1-2 to Brighton at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup. This marks the first time in 44 years, since the 1981-1982 season, that Manchester United has been eliminated in their opening match in both domestic competitions.

Coach Michael Carrick celebrates after Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Liverpool in Premier League matchday 35 at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 3/5. *Photo: PA*

Without qualification for European cups, Manchester United played a total of 40 matches across all competitions this season, including 38 Premier League games and the two aforementioned domestic cup fixtures. The last time Manchester United played 40 matches or fewer in a season was 111 years ago, in the 1914-1915 season, when English football was interrupted by World War I and cup competitions were not held.

The club's fortunes shifted dramatically following a managerial change mid-season. This poor performance led to Manchester United dismissing Ruben Amorim and appointing Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season. Under the English coach, Manchester United won 10, drew two in 14 matches, securing 32 points – the most in the Premier League during that period. This ensured their spot in the top 5 and a return to the Champions League after a two-season absence.

Noni Madueke, Coach Mikel Arteta, and Declan Rice (from left) celebrate after Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Atletico in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 5/5. *Photo: The Guardian*

In stark contrast to their rivals, Arsenal is currently navigating a potentially historic season, achieving a remarkable number of victories across all competitions. The "Gunners" have won 41 matches across all competitions, including 23 in the Premier League, three in the FA Cup, four in the League Cup, and 11 in the Champions League.

With 41 wins already secured, Arsenal has equaled a long-standing club record for the most victories in a single season, set in 1970-1971. Mikel Arteta's squad has four more matches to break this milestone: against West Ham on 10/5, Burnley on 18/5, and Crystal Palace on 24/5 in the Premier League, followed by the Champions League final against PSG at Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary on 30/5. The "Gunners" have already secured two domestic cup titles and remain strong contenders for the Premier League and Champions League crowns.

Reflecting their optimism, Arsenal has already begun planning a victory parade for 31/5, contingent on winning either the Premier League or the Champions League, or both, according to the British newspaper Sportmail. The ceremony is expected to take place less than 24 hours after the Champions League final in Budapest.

If Arsenal wins the Premier League after the final match against Crystal Palace on 24/5, fans will have to wait an additional week to participate in the open-top bus parade. The current plan is for the convoy to travel to Islington Town Hall, the administrative center of the London Borough of Islington, with the event scheduled for the morning or early afternoon. However, the specific route has not yet been announced.

In the 2023-2024 season, Arsenal also had celebration plans ready if they had surpassed Manchester City in the Premier League title race on the final matchday. At that time, the convoy was expected to depart from Emirates Stadium, pass through Drayton Park, Aubert Park, Highbury Grove, St Paul’s Road, and Upper Street before returning to the stadium.

However, this season, the schedule becomes tighter if Arsenal wins the Champions League. Arteta's team is expected to return to England from Budapest in the early hours of 31/5, requiring players and fans to race against time to attend the celebration. This compressed timeline is primarily due to the imminent assembly of national teams for the 2026 World Cup. Specifically, the England national team is expected to convene from 1/6 before traveling to the United States. Arsenal players who could be called up include Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Ben White.

Compiled by Hong Duy