Mikel Arteta insists he is still the man to lead Arsenal back to glory despite his side failing to reach the Europa League final after being eliminated by Villarreal.

The Gunners face a first season without European football in 25 years after drawing a blank in their semi-final second leg against Villarreal.

Arteta’s side were trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Spain and failed to overturn the deficit as Unai Emery got one over his former club to once again reach the final of a competition he thrives in.

“However, we have knocked out one of the teams that was one of the favourites, we are aware of how difficult it is going to be but we are proud to prepare and compete in that kind of game.

“Manchester United are a great side and we are going to have to work hard to nullify some of their strengths.”