3 players who should start for Arsenal vs Man Utd in friendly

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19: Gabriel Martinelli #11 of Arsenal FC is congratulated by Declan Rice #41 and Jurriën Timber #12 after scoring during the MLS All-Star Game between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19: Gabriel Martinelli #11 of Arsenal FC is congratulated by Declan Rice #41 and Jurriën Timber #12 after scoring during the MLS All-Star Game between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Smith Rowe returned late for pre-season duty. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Smith Rowe returned late for pre-season duty. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

3. Emile Smith Rowe

2022/23 was hugely frustrating for Smith Rowe, but Arteta has shown faith in a player who was so crucial to the club’s initial rise under the Spaniard. The boss made it clear at the end of the season that Smith Rowe was to remain in north London, and the crafty midfielder will be determined to enjoy a renaissance next season.

Smith Rowe impressed for England U21s during their successful Euros campaign, but that commitment meant he returned late for pre-season duty. As a result, we’re yet to see ESR in pre-season action, but he was pictured in training ahead of Saturday’s game, and he should be match fit after making three starts for the Young Lions.

While Arsenal have made a couple of significant midfield additions this summer, Smith Rowe has the potential to be Arteta’s X-factor in 2023/24. He now needs minutes in pre-season.