Three Nigerian youngsters started for Arsenal in their 4-3 loss to Manchester United in an U18 Premier League Cup encounter held at Cliff training ground in Salford on Saturday.

Joseph Olowu started in central defense, James Olayinka in attacking midfield and the versatile Folarin Balogun led the frontline.

Arsenal were three goals to the good at the interval courtesy of strikes from Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and James Olayinka.

It was 3-3 in the 83rd minute with Manchester United scoring through Burkart, Bughail-Mellor and Gomes, before the hosts grabbed a dramatic late winner in the 89th minute.

England youth-team goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo watched proceedings from the bench for Arsenal, while his teammates that started put in a full shift.

Arsenal, Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United are the teams in Group F of the Under-18 Premier League Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com