Arteta already sees Amorim influence on Man Utd

Mikel Arteta feels Ruben Amorim’s influence is already visible in Manchester United’s play, ahead of Arsenal facing the Red Devils in a huge matchup on Wednesday.

United have one win and one draw from two Premier League matches under the former Sporting CP coach, drawing 1-1 at Ipswich Town before crushing Everton 4-0.

On Wednesday, the United boss will face his toughest test yet as United visit the Emirates Stadium, where they have lost on seven of their last nine Premier League visits (one win, one draw), losing on their last three.

Last Sunday’s comprehensive victory over Everton was the biggest ever managed by a permanent United boss in their first home league match at the helm.

They registered 59.9% possession, 630 total passes and three big chances in that match, with all of those figures bettering their per-game averages under former boss Erik ten Hag this term (52.2% possession, 494 passes and 2.9 big chances).

Arteta has been impressed by the swift nature of Amorim’s impact, saying at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference: “You can see his fingerprints already in how he wants to play.

“You know what he wants to do straight away, I think he’s been very clear. He’s been very successful with Sporting.

“It’s remarkable after so many years what he achieved there, especially in the way he did it and the way his teams have been playing.

“He brings energy to the club, to the players, new ideas and that’s always something that’s positive.

“We focus on ourselves. We’re on a good run and have good momentum. It will be a big and beautiful match against United.”

Arsenal are currently trailing pacesetters Liverpool by nine points at the Premier League summit, with United six points further back in ninth place.

However, Arteta still thinks plenty of teams could catch Arne Slot’s Reds – including United.

“We’re still very early in the season. Any team that has the capacity to put wins in a row has a chance,” the Spaniard said. “I think anything is possible.”

Arsenal thrashed West Ham 5-2 last time out, with Bukayo Saka scoring a penalty and laying on two assists.

Saka has now provided 10 assists in Arsenal’s 13 Premier League games this season – only Harry Kane (11 in 2020-21), Cesc Fabregas (12 in 2014-15) and Mesut Ozil (12 in 2015-16) have reached double figures fewer games into a team’s Premier League campaign.

Arteta feels the England international has made a visible step up this season, saying: “In terms of the numbers, yes.

“We see a shift from Bukayo every single year. He’s more and more consistent. He can only improve and only get better. He wants more.”