Mikel Arteta hints at bigger squad role for Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri following impressive pre-season display in Man Utd clash

Arsenal came from behind to beat United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Los Angeles. Rasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils a 10th-minute lead, only for Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli to secure the comeback victory. Nwaneri, 17, played the first half against Erik ten Hag's men, with the midfielder getting an assist for Jesus' equaliser. Now, boss Arteta has sung the praises of the youngster.

He told reporters: "It’s always in the hands of the players, so show what you can do. Show that ambition, that determination, that quality, and things will happen naturally. Tomorrow he’s [Nwaneri] going to train with us again and if he continues to play like that he’s going to play some minutes on Wednesday for sure."

Nwaneri made his Premier League debut against Brentford in September 2022, becoming the club's youngest ever player at the age of just 15. The teenager made his second appearance for the first-team last season but he may get more game time this term if he continues to impress Arteta.

Arsenal have three more games before the new Premier League starts on August 17 with a home clash against Wolves. First up, the Gunners take on Liverpool on July 31, followed by Bayer Leverkusen a week later. They round off their pre-season campaign against Lyon in the Emirates Cup on August 11.