Youri Tielemans Man Utd transfer discussions included Michael Carrick turning to Jonny Evans for an inside view of the midfielder before United completed their £35million move.
Evans spent four-and-a-half seasons alongside Tielemans at Leicester City and has now revealed exactly what Carrick wanted to know.
Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa this summer as part of a major rebuild of United’s midfield and made his first appearance against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
ReadManUtd has already looked at why Tielemans could prove to be one of United’s smartest signings of the summer, with his ability to control possession giving Carrick a different option alongside the energetic Andrey Santos.
There was, however, more behind United’s decision than what Tielemans could offer technically.
Youri Tielemans Man Utd move had Evans approval
In a new interview with Manchester United’s official website, Evans revealed that Carrick approached him when the opportunity to sign Tielemans emerged.
The United coach said Carrick’s first questions centred around Tielemans’ character and leadership.
Evans described his former Leicester team-mate as “one of the best professionals” he has encountered and said Tielemans consistently sets high standards for those around him.
That assessment carries particular weight given Evans’ career. He came through United’s academy before playing alongside experienced leaders at Old Trafford, then shared a Leicester dressing room with Tielemans for several seasons.
Tielemans himself previously explained that Evans was a major influence on his move to Manchester United, alongside the opportunity to work under Carrick.
United therefore appear to have done more than simply scout the Belgium international’s performances.
Carrick wanted to know what Tielemans was like inside the dressing room, and Evans clearly gave him the answer he wanted.
With another couple of training sessions behind him, the 29-year-old could now push for his first United start when Carrick’s side face Leeds at Croke Park on Wednesday. United’s official coverage says Tielemans is in contention after making his debut against PSG.
