Former Gunner helped Manchester United prep for Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Former Arsenal academy goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk helped Manchester United to prepare for their match against the Gunners last week.

Photo via Graczyk on Instagram

21-year-old ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk has hardly played any role for Manchester United since his summer transfer away from north London, but he did have a small part to play in the FA Cup tie between the two clubs last week.

Despite not officially making the squad, Graczyk joined United’s first-team for their recent matches against Arsenal and Southampton, operating as the emergency third-choice goalkeeper and helping out in the warm-ups.

It could just be a coincidence that Graczyk got his first senior involvement with United at the Emirates Stadium, but it certainly will have helped his case that he was so recently on the books for the opposition.

Photo via Graczyk on Instagram

For the most part, Graczyk has played for the Manchester United u21 team this season. He’s made three appearances in the Premier League 2, and he’s featured on the bench on a further five occasions in all competitions.

But the goalkeeper is yet to keep a clean sheet, conceding three to Manchester City, three to Norwich City, and five to Sunderland.

The former Poland u19 international has a contract with United until 2027, having signed as a free agent following his summer release by Arsenal.

Photo via Martin Obi on Instagram

Graczyk’s situation was a bit more straightforward than that of Chido Martin Obi, who made the same switch over the summer.

Arsenal opted to release Graczyk from his deal, whilst they were making contract offers to Martin Obi up until his departure. So they had a stronger position for increased compensation payments in the latter case.

That led to protracted negotiations between the two clubs, and the striker only completed his move in October. He’s since been playing largely for their u18 side.