Arteta Prepares Arsenal for Lethal United Counter-Attacks

Mikel Arteta has issued a warning to Arsenal regarding the need to remain vigilant against a Manchester United side that has proven to be “lethal” in transition, as they prepare for their Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday.

Despite a challenging season and the recent dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United delivered their most impressive performance of the season last weekend, defeating Manchester City 2-0 under interim manager Michael Carrick. Arteta noted the signs of United rediscovering their counter-attacking prowess during his pre-match news conference.

“They excel in many areas, and it’s evident that when they have space to exploit and certain players making intelligent runs, they become extremely effective, as demonstrated a few days ago in Manchester,” Arteta remarked.

“However, like all teams, they possess weaknesses. Historically, there has been a strong emphasis on counter-attacking football linked to the profile of their players. As I mentioned earlier, they are adept at exploiting spaces.

“I may not have the exact statistics, but they are undoubtedly among the best in this regard.”

In terms of player fitness, Arteta confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori (muscle injury) and Piero Hincapié (thigh injury) have returned to training. He also addressed the cautious approach needed for Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined due to hamstring and knee issues and has not started a match since February 5.

“He has experienced a lengthy absence, nearly a year due to various reasons. Therefore, we must be strategic in managing his workload and minutes,” Arteta explained.

“I am confident that in the coming weeks, he will get playing time, though I cannot specify which competition that will be, as it will depend on the game context. It is exciting to have him back; he can be utilized in multiple positions.

“Post-injury management extends beyond just the initial return; it’s crucial how we handle the following six to eight weeks to ensure his continued progress.”

Arteta also revealed that Ethan Nwaneri is nearing a loan transfer to Marseille as the club seeks optimal pathways for the young talent’s development. Nwaneri has seen limited playtime this season due to the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, which have relegated him lower in the team’s hierarchy.

“I believe the deal is quite close. We must continuously monitor the progress of our talented young players, as they require sufficient minutes on the pitch,” Arteta stated.

“In this instance, Ethan hasn’t accrued enough playtime. After discussions with him, his father, his agent, and the club, we decided that a loan move was the best course of action.

“Finding the right environment is crucial. Considering the options and our past experiences in Marseille, along with Roberto De Zerbi’s track record for nurturing young talent, we feel this is a beneficial move.

“Many players face similar situations, and it’s important to gauge how they will adapt. The initial excitement of a potential move often overshadows the reality of leaving a familiar environment. However, stepping into a dynamic football culture like Marseille will undoubtedly enhance his development.”