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Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

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Darren Bent discusses whether Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would improve Manchester United

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

Darren Bent has told TalkSPORT (8.40am, Tuesday) that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would improve the current Manchester United side, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to come under scrutiny following Sunday’s defeat.

Arsenal earned a narrow 1-0 win at Old Trafford thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half penalty. But it was Arsenal’s midfield that tactically outclassed Manchester United’s diamond – with Solskjaer unable to change the tide.

Arteta’s tactics were spot on. Mo Elneny was a surprise inclusion alongside Thomas Partey in central midfield, but that is where the Gunners won the game. The pressure increases on Solskjaer, with United sitting in a lowly 15th place.

Ex-England striker Bent, who is a renowned Arsenal supporter, was asked if Arteta would improve Manchester United if he replaced Solskjaer – and Bent is confident that Arteta would do just that, as he is a better boss than the Norwegian.

Arsenal FC v Manchester United - Premier League
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“Yeah because he is more tactically aware than Solskjaer,” Bent said, when asked about the £96k-a-week Arsenal manager. “United would look more comfortable in a three. He would identify what needs to be done.

“Look at his recruitment too, Thomas Partey. Arsenal needed steel in there and he bought Partey. He has turned Xhaka around. You cannot give Arteta any more credit.”

TBR’s view – A move would never happen, but Bent is bang on

Arteta has had the privilege and benefit of working under Pep Guardiola and it continues to pay off. He has taken on an Arsenal side that looked lazy and devoid of any confidence under Unai Emery – to a side challenging for the top four.

An FA Cup and a Community Shield have also been won since Arteta’s arrival. He demands class, respect, temperament and  high standards off the pitch from his players – which has seen Arsenal improve enormously.

At Manchester United, it is the opposite. Standard have slipped, mistakes are becoming a normality. Tactics are not working and Solskjaer looks out of his depth. It would never happen but hypothetically, Arteta would improve Manchester United.

(Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)