Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Martin Odegaard can cause problems for any team in world football ahead of his possible debut against Manchester United. (More Football News)
Arsenal have signed Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season.
He is building up his fitness and it is yet to be confirmed if he will be able to make his debut when Arsenal host United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Solskjaer, whose team are reeling from their stunning 2-1 home defeat to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United on Wednesday, is clear about his fellow Norwegian's ability.
But he hopes Odegaard will not make his mark on the Premier League right away.
Advertisement
"Martin is a very talented young player," he told reporters as he looks to avoid Arsenal beating United for a third straight top-flight game for what would be the first time since 1998.
"We know from the national team that he can cause anyone problems.
"Just hope he isn't finding his form on Saturday! We wish him all the best.
"Arsenal have been impressive lately, turned it around. Since the Chelsea game they have got really good results.
"Always great games against Arsenal. Some classics between the two sides."
United are winless in all four Premier League games against Arsenal under Solskjaer, having lost three of those.
Advertisement
He is the only United manager to face Arsenal more than once in the top flight without winning a game.
Solskjaer, though, is optimistic his team will bounce back from the Sheffield United defeat and feels the media reaction to that loss showed a lack of respect to the Blades.
"You never want to lose a game to learn from it and we have been terrific," he said. "But it is that kind of season. We didn't expect to finish it unbeaten, but we wanted to.
"We have always bounced back after defeats. Other than when we played Arsenal and then Istanbul Basaksehir.
"Of course, you analyse the games as you ordinarily do. A lot has been made of it because it was top against bottom but that is the Premier League.
"And I think people show a lack of respect for Sheffield United as well, because they've been unlucky this season and they got what they have deserved so many times earlier.
"They've got players who can hurt you, they've got an organisation that works with Chris [Wilder].
"We are disappointed, it was a setback. But when you don't hit your level in the Premier League against any opposition you get a tough game and unfortunately we couldn't work it out in the 90 minutes."
Advertisement
Anthony Martial (shoulder) and Eric Bailly (knock) are both expected to travel to London.
While United have struggled in recent meetings with the Gunners, they are unbeaten in 17 Premier League away games.
Opta data shows it is their joint-longest run without defeat on the road in their top-flight history, tied with the run that started in the treble season of 1998-99.
Solskjaer's side have won 26 points away from home so far this season, more than any other Premier League side.
