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 big match on Wednesday.

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

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

Last Sunday's comprehensive victory over Everton was the biggest ever achieved by a permanent United boss in their first home game in charge.

They recorded 59.9% possession, 630 total passes and three big chances in that match, with all these figures improving on their average per game under former boss Erik ten Hag this season (52.2% possession, 494 passes and 2.9 big chances).

Arteta has been impressed by the quick nature of Amorim's impact, telling Tuesday's pre-match press conference: “You can already see his fingerprints in the way he wants to play.

“You know immediately what he wants to do, I think he has been very clear. He has been very successful at Sporting.

“It is remarkable what he has achieved there after so many years, especially the way he has done it and the way his teams have played.

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

“We are concentrating on ourselves. We are doing well and have good momentum. It will be a big and beautiful game against United.”

Arsenal are currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, while United are six points further back in ninth.

However, Arteta still thinks many teams can catch Arne Slot's Reds, including United.

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

Arsenal beat West Ham 5-2 last time out, with Bukayo Saka scoring a penalty and providing 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) managed fewer double figures of games in a team's Premier League campaign.

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

“Every year we see a shift with Bukayo. He is becoming more and more consistent. He can only get better and only get better. He wants more.”