Manchester United couldn’t lay a glove on Youri Tielemans as the Belgian dominated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and showed the Norwegian what his team lacks.
After losing against Paul Pogba’s France just days prior in the Nation League semi-finals with Belgium, Tielemans produced a midfield clinic which showcased his full array of qualities, but also highlighted the gaping issues in this Manchester United team.
Despite not having his usual partner in crime Wilfred Ndidi next to him, Pogba and Nemanja Matic couldn’t stop Tielemans dominating possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
Tielemans has a field day
The 24-year-old was constantly looking for the ball off his teammates and he was willing to take the ball in any situation regardless of whether he was being marked tightly.
As soon as he passed the ball, he was on the move again and with United’s press being neither here or there, Tielemans was able to penetrate through our midfield and defensive lines with ease all too frequently, there was just far too much space for him to play into.
For all of the stars and talent we possess, working hard out of possession is something we need to address.
But despite Tielemans having an abundance of technical qualities, he works equally hard to win the ball back for his team and win turnovers high up the pitch.
The Belgian bullied Jadon Sancho to set up a dangerous counter attack for the Foxes in the first half.
His clever goal which came through some lacklustre play from Harry Maguire shows the rewards you can reap by pressing properly from the front.
The former Monaco man could have had a second if it wasn’t for a tremendous fingertip save by de Gea onto the post.
Tielemans would improve United
The Belgian international finished Saturday’s clash with 96 touches, more than any other player and completed 66 of his 73 attempted passes (90%).
He made three key passes, which was only bettered by Bruno Fernandes and completed three dribbles, the joint highest (WhoScored).
He whipped in seven crosses, which was more than any other player and completed three of his attempted four long-balls to showcase his full range of passing.
Leicester’s midfield marvel also won five ground duels and one tackle as well as making one interception and blocking one shot to complete an all action midfield display (SofaScore).
Tielemans’ contract at Leicester is due to expire in 2023, and with Matic’s legs no longer what they once were, Pogba’s contract situation no closer to being resolved and Donny van de Beek seemingly out-of-favour, United have to monitor Tielemans’ situation.
For all of the industrious qualities Scott McTominay and Fred bring, Tielemans can do the same job but also bring an air of calmness and an injection of quality to our team when we are in possession.
He may not be a natural defensive midfielder, but barring an ageing Matic we don’t have one anyway and there isn’t a reason why we couldn’t target Tielemans and another midfielder.
If he hasn’t signed a new contract at Leicester by the summer with one-year remaining on his current deal then United would be foolish not to test the Foxes’ resolve.
His energy and quality would significantly improve a part of United’s team which is becoming increasingly concerning.
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