After a stunning performance in a 2-0 win against Arsenal at the weekend, it has emerged that Manchester United tried to sign West Ham United teenager Reece Oxford last season.

Oxford became the club’s youngest ever Premier League player and put in an impressive display on Sunday as the Hammers made a perfect start to their season.

The Edmonton-born defender was a key in West Ham’s Under-21 team last year and United were one of a number of clubs that tried to tempt him away from East London, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 16-year-old was rejected by Tottenham Hotspur and signed his first professional deal with the Hammers in January.

Oxford is an Arsenal supporter but is thankful for West Ham's trust in academy players.

"West Ham have been giving the young players who are coming through a chance," he said "Last season I was on the bench a few times, so I expected to be around the team again this season, but not starting against Arsenal."

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic was full of praise for the teenager. He enthused: "It was going to be a risk but he has got something. I am very proud of him. He is a part of this new generation.

"I said to him, go out and play your game, if it goes wrong, I’ll take the blame."