Mikel Arteta cautions that Arsenal will encounter a ‘dangerous’ Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta has cautioned that Arsenal must be vigilant against a Manchester United team that is “lethal” during transitions in their Premier League encounter at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
United have faced a challenging season and dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim earlier this month, yet they delivered their best performance of the season by defeating Manchester City 2-0 last weekend under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Signs of United regaining their counter-attacking prowess were evident, and Arteta expressed concern about the danger they present during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“They excel in many areas, and it is evident that when this team has the space to exploit and certain players to initiate their runs, they become lethal, as demonstrated a few days ago in Manchester,” Arteta stated.
“However, they possess numerous attributes that can create challenges for you. Like any team, they also have their vulnerabilities. Historically, there has always been a strong connection to [counter-attacking] and the type of players they typically have, and as I mentioned earlier, they are very effective at utilizing those spaces.
“I am not certain about the exact statistics, but they are undoubtedly among the best.”
Riccardo Calafiori (muscular) and Piero Hincapié (thigh) have resumed training, while Arteta elaborated on the need for caution regarding Kai Havertz’s return following hamstring and knee issues that have kept him from starting a match in any competition since February 5.
“Clearly, he has been sidelined for an extended period, nearly a year for various reasons, and now we must be very strategic in how we manage his workload and minutes,” Arteta remarked.
“I am confident that in the upcoming weeks he will see playing time. I cannot specify which competition that will be in, as it will also depend on the context of the game and whether it is suitable to integrate him based on his qualities. It is fantastic to have him back. We can utilize him in multiple positions.
“After a long-term injury, it is not just about the initial return but also what occurs in the following six to eight weeks, and we aim to handle that effectively.”
Arteta also confirmed that Ethan Nwaneri is nearing a loan transfer to Marseille as the club seeks the optimal path for the 18-year-old’s development.
Nwaneri has only started four matches this season due to the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, which have pushed him further down the lineup. Arteta stated: “I believe the deal is quite close. It is something we must continuously monitor: our talented young players require playing time.
“In this instance, Ethan has not been receiving sufficient minutes. After discussions with him, his father, the agent, and the club, we concluded that the best course of action was for him to go out on loan.
“We need to select the right destination. Considering all the options and the experience we had in Marseille, along with Willy [Saliba], the fact that [manager] Roberto [De Zerbi] is there and is an exceptional developer of young talent, and he plays in a very bold manner.
“Many players encounter similar situations, and it is important to understand how he will feel because when opportunities arise and clubs express interest, the initial reaction is excitement.
“You are eager to play, you speak with the manager, who is very enthusiastic about you, and you are set to play on the weekend and start many games, which is all very positive. But eventually, you must come to terms with the reality: ‘Alright, pack your bags, here are the flight tickets, and you need to go to Marseille.’
“That brings about fear and insecurity, leaving a place that has been very comfortable for him among his family, but ultimately, this is the reality; in the end, he must be thrust into a challenging environment within an incredible football culture and atmosphere, and this experience will significantly enhance his development.”
