Odegaard voted Arsenal vs Man Utd man of the match – before 10-minute cameo

Martin Odegaard had an uneventful Arsenal debut with a 10-minute cameo against Manchester United at the Emirates.

But he still scooped the man of the match award in his home country of Norway.

There were split loyalties in the Scandinavian country as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side took on Odegaard’s new employers after he completed his loan move from Real Madrid.

And those watching in Norway on TV2 showed their support for the Gunners’ new playmaker by voting him as man of the match before he had even set foot on the pitch.

At half-time, Odegaard was shown to be second in the voting with 26% of the vote, trailing Bruno Fernandes with 35%.

But, by the 75th minute, he had taken the lead with 41% before he was introduced for the final 10 minutes.

Golden boy Odegaard, 22, had little time to make an impact in a drab draw but was still chosen as the top man in his homeland.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville named David Luiz as his man of the match whilst commentating for Sky Sports in the UK.

Neville said: “Difficult one, but I’m going to give it to David Luiz for the clean sheet that Arsenal have had, they defended really well.”

Arteta this week outlined the qualities he believes Odegaard can bring to his side over the remainder of the season.

"He's a player that we followed for some time and we believe that he's got some special qualities that we need, that we have been missing," Arteta said.

"Now we have to give him a little bit of time. He hasn't played that many minutes in Madrid but he's been training hard and he looks so excited, as we are, to have another big talent at our club.

"I think in the last few seasons he's progressed and developed in the right way. I've followed him very closely because he played for Real Sociedad, which is my home town. I know him really well.

"I've been really impressed. He's a such a talent. He needs the right environment, he needs a little bit of time but I think he's got the qualities to be a success for us.”

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