Before the friendly match with Leeds in Ireland, Youri Tielemans had more shares with Man United fans about what he had experienced in his first month playing in his new shirt. He showed comfort and belief in a better future.
Michael Carrick has his own philosophy. He wants the whole team to play control and pressing according to each specific match. This is different from what I knew before but it suits reality" - Tielemans shared his first feelings about Carrick after the early days of joining the "Red Devils".
Youri Tielemans had 2 opportunities to join Man United before, once in 2019, and the other time in 2022. It was not until the 3rd time in 2026 that the Belgian midfielder's wish came true. Tielemans shared that he is very calm about his transfer information this summer because in the early days he has to focus entirely on the 2026 World Cup.
After reaching the quarter-finals with the Belgian team and unfortunately losing to the champion Spain, Tielemans shared the reason for his absence from that match due to an injury during warm-up. The 29-year-old midfielder has worn the captain's armband for 5 previous matches, and in the last match he could not stand it because of overload.
When sharing about Man United's ambitions, Tielemans said that the team sets very high requirements for achievements.
The team sets very high standards. When I was young and watched the club, I always saw Man United standing at the top. They always maintain a winning spirit and that is exactly what we are trying to restore.
At Aston Villa, we have done great things such as winning the Europa League title. Villa is a great club and I am extremely grateful. They helped me regain my peak form, I really appreciate that.
The versatility in his playing style is the strongest point of Tielemans, making the Man United board determined to recruit him. No matter what position he plays in midfield, he always does well and shows himself as an effective drill against deep-lying defenses. Although making efforts to bring more new players to Old Trafford, with the performance in the past 2 friendly matches of Tielemans, Carrick can be somewhat reassured.
In the 4-2-4 formation Carrick uses in friendly matches, Andrey Santos is doing a very good job of recovering and intercepting. The Brazilian midfielder is expected to be a long-range shield for the defense and spring for the attack. If Santos reaches his peak form, his partners such as Mainoo, Tielemans, Mount,... can completely rest assured with the attacking task in 1/3 of the opponent's field.
Tielemans believes that his role lies in balancing the element of mutation and control. He wants to become an innovator to help his teammates around him, including Bruno Fernandes, maximize their abilities.
Last season, Tielemans played 53 matches for Aston Villa in all competitions. That dense playing volume partly explains the injury that caused him to miss 21 matches due to problems with ankles and calves. However, Tielemans is completely confident about his fitness before the new season.
I used to have some problems during the World Cup but everything was resolved. Now I feel 100% energetic and ready when there are only 10 days left until then" - Tielemans referred to Man United's Premier League opening match against Hull City on August 22.
