The summer gave Manchester United an opportunity to rebuild their midfield.
It’s been a successful summer, although they haven’t quite achieved their main targets in signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.
In a ridiculously inflated market, the Red Devils were looking for bargains on the Elliot Andersons of this world. Given how rashly United have overspent over the years, the tactic was actually admirable.
Why did Man Utd sign Tielemans?
United’s number one target this summer was Anderson. However, it quickly became clear that it would cost £100 million.
He eventually left for City for £116m, breaking the transfer record for an English player until Morgan Rogers left for Chelsea for £117m.
INEOS, Jason Wilcox and Co also looked at Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, but they ended up at Tottenham Hotspur instead.
So United looked at Tielemans instead. The Belgian was a strong figure for Aston Villa and was brought to Old Trafford for £35 million. They uncovered a little-known exemption clause in the process.
It was better value than the other midfielders who moved throughout the summer.
However, it wasn’t just the fee that attracted United to the deal. Tielemans was one of the best midfielders in the division during his time with Aston Villa. He is classy on the ball, resistant to press and he also comes up with a single goal and an assist.
For a player with Premier League experience, it seemed like the smart thing to do. It certainly made more sense than signing the less proven Ederson from Atalanta.
Why Tielemans is a problem after Spurs
Initially, Tielemans looked like a strong signing. His combination play with Bruno Fernandes was thrilling. He seemed to play better together than Casemiro.
However, his performance against Tottenham on Saturday evening raised huge question marks over his long-term future in Michael Carrick’s midfield.
That’s because his partnership with Kobbie Mainoo seemed to be this team’s biggest weak link. While Mainoo was able to move the ball quickly and get forward, Tielemans looked the worst of Casemiro.
Slow, unprogressive and shy, it was a performance that gave United supporters nightmares. Gary Neville wasn’t a fan either.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, he said: “Tielemans and Mainoo, I’ve seen enough of it now. I don’t spend time on it because it’s too harsh, but I’ve seen enough to think that’s not a dynamic enough midfielder to play for this football club in the Premier League.”
Tielemans vs. Spurs | |
|---|---|
Minutes played | 59 |
It touches | 43 |
Accurate transmissions | 21/26 (81%) |
Chances were created | 0 |
Shots | 0 |
Defense contributions | 18 |
Battles | 5 |
Restorations | 13 |
Ground duels won | 9/12 |
Top speed | 30.8 km/h |
This lack of dynamism was a big problem. Tielemans didn’t even stop an hour before being driven. The Belgian won nine of 12 duels and had 13 rebounds, but lost possession every six minutes. He was also recorded as the 15th slowest player on the field, running only 114m in the entire game.
The only United starters worse in this regard were Matheus Cunha and Mainoo; it speaks to how poor United’s midfield was on Saturday.
How Man Utd Can Replace Tielemans
Tielemans’ performance at the weekend was made all the more troubling by the fact that midfield has been in a problematic position for United for some time.
Of course, they were linked with Casemiro last season. Their lives included Fernandes. However, there were major problems under Ruben Amorim until Carrick restored Maino in the middle of the park.
Although the level of performance on Saturday night was not at the level we have seen under the Portuguese, it was a major concern. Fortunately, there is a solution.
Andrey Santos has been the other contender so far this season, but we got to meet Man United’s new Paul Pogba at the weekend and he looked nothing short of fantastic.
Pogba had his haters at United, but many are fondly remembered for his dazzling displays in these parts. This is the player who once scored 16 goals in one campaign for the Red Devils.
Although it all ended in tears in the end, his ball-carrying and game-breaking ability made him special. Well, in Baleba, the second coming of Pogba may have arrived in Manchester.
His 31-minute cameo off the bench – his United debut – was really good.
In fact, anyone could stand out compared to Tielemans, but the authority with which he played with Baleba was first class. He had just 11 less touches than Tielemans and recorded eight carries. He really took over the game and led his team forward.
This should come as no surprise to those who know about him. After all, the player himself has already admitted that he looks up to Pogba.
The 22-year-old, who named five footballers as his inspiration, once said: “Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, Thiago Alcantara, Xavi, Andres Iniesta – many others. So I have the ability to do something with the ball at my feet.”
It was a very promising first display and should see Tielemans hit the bench when they face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.