“Better than Phil Foden and Mason Mount” - Arsenal fans blown away by 16-year-old’s performance against Manchester United
Arsenal fans on X heaped praise on Ethan Nwaneri after his performance in a friendly against Manchester United on Saturday, July 27. The youngster helped them win 2-1 at the SoFi Stadium in California.
The Gunners are currently on their pre-season tour in the US. After a penalty shootout win against Bournemouth in their last game, they face Manchester United on Saturday. Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring in the 10th minute. However, Gabriel Jesus (26') and Gabriel Martinelli (81') ensured a comeback for the north London side.
Arsenal fans online were especially pleased with Ethan Nwaneri's performance. The 16-year-old played the first half, completing 17/19 passes, creating one big chance, and providing an assist. He also won 4/4 duels and completed 1/1 dribble attempts.
The Gunners fans praised the youngster on X, as one fan compared him to Mason Mount and Phil Foden, writing:
"Ethan Nwaneri is better than Phil Foden. Mason Mount, too."
Another fan likened Nwaneri to Manchester City icon David Silva, writing:
"Nwaneri is Arsenal’s David Silva. Magic left foot. Can excel in either interior. Should be having himself a successful decade plus career."
Another fan was in awe of his performance, writing:
"Wow wow wow"
"Nwaneri is legit gonna be in real contention to start the opening PL game btw," a fan wrote.
"He’s ready," another insisted.
Another fan likened Nwaneri to Liverpool youngster Trey Nyoni, writing:
"Trey Nyoni *handshake emoji* Ethan Nwaneri. Starboys"
Nwaneri came through the Gunners academy and has made two senior appearances so far.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Ethan Nwaneri's performance after Manchester United win
Nwaneri was one of the standout performers for Mikel Arteta's side in their friendly against Manchester United despite being just 16. When asked about his performance, the Spanish manager said after the game (via Arsenal.com):
"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 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 senior debut for Arsenal in September 2022 in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth, breaking the club record at just 15 years old. He also scored thrice for England U17 in the UEFA U17 Euro in May as they reached the quarter-finals.
The Gunners, meanwhile, will next take on Liverpool at the Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania on July 31 in their next friendly.