Ashley Young believes new signing Youri Tielemans could turn out to be one of the club’s best pieces of business this summer.
Manchester United brought the Belgium captain to Old Trafford from Aston Villa in July for £35 million after triggering his release clause. He was the second major addition of the summer made by INEOS for Carrick, and early signs suggest the midfielder could have a big role to play.
Youri Tielemans has already impressed during pre-season. His display against Paris Saint-Germain offered a glimpse of what he can bring, while his connection with Bruno Fernandes in the midfield was another positive during the second half.
Young rates Youri Tielemans move highly
Young knows exactly what Tielemans can offer. The former Manchester United player has faced the Belgian midfielder regularly during his own career and clearly wasn’t surprised by his strong start in a United shirt.
Speaking to TSR Football, Young gave the signing a rating of nine and a half out of ten.
“Nine and a half [out of 10],” he said.
“What a player, going from one of my clubs to another one of my old clubs. So, you know, he’s been, he’s been brilliant.
“Every time we played against him, he’s been a tough opponent. He sees passes, he creates, he can score goals, he can score free kicks.
“So, United are getting a very good signing. I think Carra’s [Michael Carrick] done a very good bit of business there.”
Young’s comments also highlight why United were willing to make the move despite some questions about the midfielder’s age.
Tielemans is 29, which has led to some concerns over the length of his time at the top. But the Belgian’s qualities could make that less of an issue if he settles quickly and delivers the kind of influence expected of him.
Tielemans already showing what Manchester United can expect
There were encouraging signs during his cameo against Paris Saint-Germain, with the midfielder beginning to show why Carrick wanted him as part of the new-look United side.
His ability to build attacks in the midfield and link-up with Bruno Fernandes was evident during the second half of the recent pre-season fixture against Paris Saint-Germain.
The club activated his release clause to bring him in from Villa, making him one of the headline additions of the summer.
For Carrick, the challenge now will be turning those promising early moments into regular performances alongside United’s star studded midfield engine as the new season begins.
There is still plenty of time for Tielemans to adapt to his new surroundings, but his opening displays have given supporters reason to be encouraged. United needed experience in midfield and they appear to have found that in the Belgium international.
Young certainly has no doubts about the quality Carrick has brought in with Youri Tielemans. For United, the hope will be that he keeps his performances as Young sees going into the season.
