Mikel Arteta challenges Ethan Nwaneri as Arsenal star impresses against Manchester United

Mikel Arteta has thrown down the gauntlet to Ethan Nwaneri after the teenager impressed in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United.

Nwaneri became the youngest player in history Premier league history last season when he made his debut at just 16 years and 177 days.

Now 17, he could be ready to play and has been given his chance in preseason.

He Arsenal The star got a chance to start against the Red Devils at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Nwaneri took his chance with both hands and helped himself to an assist. Setting up Gabriel Jesus for a 2-1 win.

Fans were equally impressed by what they saw of the teenager.

One said: “17-year-old Nwaneri will go straight into the first team next season.”

Another added: “Bright star.”

A third wrote: “Nwaneri is absolutely special. He is expected to have third-place quality but the maturity and quality he shows in preparation is incredible. Physically and mentally he is way ahead of his age.”

Arteta appears willing to give him a chance and has a message for the youngster.

Arteta said: “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.

2

“He will train with us again tomorrow and if he continues playing like this he will surely get minutes on Wednesday.”

Arteta has been pleased with what he has seen from his Arsenal players as they prepare for the new Premier League season.

“It was a very good test for us,” he added. “We played in a different stadium, with a pitch in different conditions, four metres narrower and five metres shorter against a top-class opponent and we lost 1-0.”

“Playing in this type of context is really very good for us to see the level and the ability we have to adapt and win in any context, so I am very happy.”

Arsenal will face Liverpool next Thursday as he continues his pre-season tour.