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Man Utd told why Arsenal youngsters are doing better than theirs - ‘That’s the difference'
Manchester United and Arsenal have both used a number of their academy graduates this season.
Martin Keown and Michael Owen have both given their view on why Arsenal’s younger players are outperforming Manchester United’s this season.
Both Arsenal and United have blooded plenty of youngsters already this season.
Midfielder Joe Willock has featured nine times for Arsenal, whereas teenagers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson have all scored at least once in their outings.
Seventeen-year-old striker Mason Greenwood has notched a couple of goals for United but other youngsters have flattered to deceive in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Some players aren’t good enough, that’s the problem
Former Arsenal defender Keown believes the Gunners youngsters are coming into a more settled side than United’s are.
“They’re coming in to a more settled structure at Arsenal,” he said on BT Sport.
“I can see what Arsenal are trying to deliver and each player is almost a copy isn’t it, you saw the midfield quite structured in there.
“There’s a better balance than what we’re seeing [at United], it’s almost on a wing and a prayer for a Manchester United youngster to come in and do well.
“For these [at Arsenal] there is a better platform.”
Owen, more brutally, claims it is just a case that Arsenal’s younger players are better than United’s and that some of United’s prospects will not be at the club long term.
“It’s a wing and a prayer because some players aren’t good enough, that’s the problem,” Owen said.
“At Manchester United, with all due respect, if they had a very solid team Mason Greenwood would still be coming through and playing his part.
“But some of them wouldn’t necessarily be given a chance, that’s the difference.
“You can say it’s harsh on them but it’s not, it’s probably great that they’ve played for Manchester United now and now they can go and have a nice career elsewhere if they don’t make it.”