Lucas Torreira has said he has brought the famous Uruguayan fighting mentality to Arsenal as Unai Emery’s side prepare to face a Manchester United team who were criticised by their own manager, Jose Mourinho, for not having enough “mad dogs”.

Uruguayans are known for their tenacity and winning mentality, known as ‘garra charrua’, and Torreira said he has tried to imbue his Arsenal team-mates with that unique energy.

Torreira, who has quickly established himself as one of Arsenal’s most important players since arriving in the summer, impressed again in Sunday’s north London derby with his tireless pressing and tackling.

Asked about the ‘garra charrua’ spirit, he said: “That is something I carry inside of me. That is my way of playing, and I try to bring that positive energy to the team.”

Torreira, a £25m signing from Sampdoria in the summer, scored his first goal for the club against Tottenham Hotspur. He had gone close to breaking his duck the previous week, striking the post against Bournemouth, and was visibly emotional after his fine finish against Spurs.