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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

Marquinhos sends watching Mikel Arteta big Leicester message with debut masterclass vs Man Utd

Mikel Arteta might have an important first team decision to make after 19-year-old attacking midfielder Marquinhos starred for Arsenal's U23s against Manchester United.

The Brazilian, who joined in June for £3m, both scored and assisted in the game at Meadow Park and has started his life in a red shirt well.

The former Sao Paulo player has been tipped for a "big future" by Granit Xhaka, but had to watch on as Arsenal cruised to an opening day victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Edu handed important Youri Tielemans Arsenal transfer push amid PSG's bargain £12.5m deal

Arteta's side overcame a tricky game on paper with impressive ease, benefitting from goals through Gabriel Martinelli and an own goal from Marc Guehi. Fans were more than happy with the early season display from the Gunners and also got a good look at their new signing in the Premier League 2 game against Manchester United a day later.

Marquinhos joined Takehiro Tomiyasu in the side and led the team to a 3-1 victory. He first assisted for Khayon Edwards' opening goal, having a left-footed shot saved, before scoring the second with a tidy finish.

He faces plenty of competition to get into Arteta's first team plans though with Martin Odegaard, Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe immediately in front of him at the Emirates. With impressive displays when he is given a chance, and with Arteta watching on in-person, there's a chance that he can catch his manager's eye.

He has already endeared himself to his new supporters, being captured meeting fans with a neat handshake after the game before taking a picture as well. If Arsenal can start the season well and Marquinhos can get himself into Arteta's plans then there's already a good precedent set for his relationship with the north London faithful.

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