Arsenal
Premier League • England
Ten Hag warned that Man Utd signing will struggle against Arsenal; Saka tipped to have a field day
Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has said that he is ‘concerned’ for new Manchester United signing Sergio Reguilon if he plays against the Gunners today.
The Spaniard has signed for Man Utd on a season-long loan from Tottenham, after Ange Postecoglou deemed him surplus to requirements for the London club.
Despite being a threat going forward, Reguilon has been criticised for his defensive abilities in the past and faces a battle with Bukayo Saka if he features in the game.
Erik Ten Hag is confident that he will be a good addition for Man Utd, though. Speaking on Friday, the manager confirmed he is ready to play Reguilon despite his recent arrival.
Ten Hag said: “Reguilon is here, he trained.” Asked if he will be available to face Arsenal, the United boss said: “Yes.”
He continued: “He’s very experienced,” added Ten Hag. “Played for big clubs, played a lot of games in LaLiga and Premier League.
“We had a problem with Shaw and Malacia and I think we responded very well to that emergency situation.”
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Walcott ‘concerned’ for Reguilon
Reguilon may be expected to make his debut against Arsenal but Walcott isn’t sure that this is the right time to introduce him. He has not been selected in Ten Hag’s starting XI, but could come off the bench.
The manager has instead opted to play Diogo Dalot as a left-back, which he did against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
As mentioned, if Reguilon does come on he is likely to be up against Saka, who is considered to be one of the best, if not the best right-winger in the Premier League.
“Reguilon I am a little bit concerned about today if he plays,” Walcott told Sky Sports.
“Saka for me is one of the best wingers out there, the way he carries the ball, always positive and always wants to go with the ball.
“I don’t want Saka to defend, if I’m a winger I don’t want to be defending, I want my centre-halves to be helping out with that so I can attack all day.”
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how Reguilon performs against Arsenal, if he does feature in the game.