Mikel Arteta has alerted Arsenal to remain vigilant against a Manchester United team that can be “lethal” on the counter in their upcoming Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Despite facing challenges this season and the recent dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim, United showcased their potential by securing a 2-0 victory over Manchester City last weekend under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Arteta noted that United displayed signs of returning to their counter-attacking prowess during that match, making him cautious about their threat, as he discussed in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“They excel in various aspects, and it’s evident that when they have space to exploit and players capable of making those runs, they become dangerous, as was seen just days ago in Manchester,” Arteta remarked.
“They possess many qualities that can create problems for us, yet like every team, they have areas of vulnerability. Historically, they have been adept at counter-attacking, capitalizing on the attributes of their player profiles. As I mentioned earlier, they’re particularly effective at creating opportunities in open space.”
“I can’t specify the exact statistics, but they are undoubtedly among the best.”
Riccardo Calafiori (muscle strain) and Piero Hincapié (thigh injury) have resumed training, while Arteta addressed the need for caution regarding Kai Havertz’s return from hamstring and knee issues that have prevented him from starting a match since February 5.
“He has been out for an extended period, nearly a year, for various reasons, and we must carefully manage his workload and minutes,” Arteta noted. “I’m confident he’ll get some game time in the upcoming weeks. I can’t specify the competition just yet, as that will depend on the game context and whether it’s appropriate to utilize his strengths. It’s fantastic to have him back, as he can play in multiple positions.”
“After a long-term injury, it’s not just about re-entering the game but also how the following six to eight weeks progress, and we aim to handle that properly.”
Additionally, Arteta confirmed that Ethan Nwaneri is nearing a loan transfer to Marseille as the club seeks to facilitate the development of the promising 18-year-old.
Having started only four matches this season, Nwaneri has found his opportunities diminished due to the signings of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, pushing him further down the hierarchy. Arteta stated: “The loan deal is quite close. We constantly monitor the talented young players in our squad who need minutes.”
“In this case, Ethan hasn’t been getting enough playing time. After discussions with him, his father, his agent, and the club, we agreed that a loan was the best course of action.”
“We also need to choose the right destination. Considering our previous experience with Marseille, especially with Willy [Saliba], along with the presence of manager Roberto [De Zerbi]—who is exceptional at nurturing young talent and employs an audacious style of football—we believe it can be beneficial for Ethan.
“Many players face similar situations, and it’s important to understand how they’ll adapt. It’s exciting when they discuss opportunities and clubs interested in them; there’s a sense of eagerness to play, and they often hear from the manager how much they want them. However, there comes a point where they must confront the reality of packing their bags and heading to Marseille.”
“That can bring feelings of fear and insecurity, stepping out of a familiar and comfortable environment surrounded by family. But ultimately, embracing the challenge in a vibrant football culture and an ambitious club will significantly enhance their development.”