Manchester United's midfield has previously been their strongest point in the team, but Michael Carrick has been desperate for more reinforcements in such a department.
The likes of Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Nicky Butt were part of the Classic Class of 92 and helped the Red Devils become one of the most dominant forces in Europe.
Even last season, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were arguably the Premier League's two biggest stars – helping the club finish in third place.
However, the former duo has now left Old Trafford at the end of his contract, which has undoubtedly left a huge hole in the heart of Carrick's side.
Work has been done to strengthen the midfielder sector in recent weeks, as there is already a lot of hope for the fans after the arrival of one player.
How Tielemans compares to other Premier League midfielders
As part of their summer recruitment drive at Old Trafford, United have completed the £35m signing of midfielder Youri Tielemans from Premier League side Aston Villa.
A deal for the Belgium international did not go through, but it is a move that has seen an assured choice from England's top flight move to Carrick's side.
The 29-year-old has featured at such a level since the summer of 2019, but how has he compared to other players in his position for the 2025/26 campaign?
In charge, Tielemans has earned a reputation as a top-class operator, with his 1.6 goals per 90 goals highlighting his quality with the ball at his feet.
|
Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa record |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
|
Games played |
133 |
|
Goals were scored |
10 |
|
It helps |
25 |
|
Yellow cards |
13 |
|
Minutes played |
9797 |
|
Medals won |
1x |
The above-mentioned figure ranks him in the top 15% of all midfielders in the top division in England, which could make him the producer of Carrick's football team next season.
However, Casemiro's departure has increased the need to win the ball at the heart of the team – and the Belgian can provide a strong option in that regard.
Across the 2025/26 campaign, the former Villa man made 2.3 tackles per 90, while coming off over 60% of his tackles – both putting him above 90% of players in the division.
Why Man Utd's £42m target is good for Tielemans
Apart from completing moves for Tielemans and Andrey Santos this summer, INEOS and Carrick are looking for a third mid-summer addition.
A host of big-money talents have been linked with a move to join the Red Devils, but the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali have completed moves to other Premier League clubs.
As a result, managers have had to expand their hunt across Europe, with Roma star Manu Kone emerging as United's main contender this window.
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport have reported that Carrick's men are keen to make a bid for the Frenchman, who is currently valued at around €50m (£42m).
The report also says that the player himself would be open to a move to Old Trafford, but no move can be finalized until a fee is agreed between the two clubs.
While no deal has yet been agreed for the 25-year-old this window, it is understood that United see Kone as a potential transfer target who could complete a midfield overhaul.
His ongoing World Cup stats highlight his great ball-winning ability, which would make the France star the perfect addition for Tielemans this summer.
The Frenchman played five times in the tournament in America and managed 5.8 rebounds and 1.6 tackles per 90.
Both of the aforementioned statistics highlight his incredible ability to win the ball – something that will allow Tielemans to focus on his managerial duties and create carnage in forward areas.
Kone also managed to win 4.2 ground duels and 0.4 passes per 90 – numbers that highlight his excellent ability to disrupt the flow of opposition teams.
His tally of 2.7 defensive tackles per 90 alone confirms his excellent ability off the ball – which will no doubt take the pressure off the Belgian to produce goods off the ball.
The Roma star's interest in a move to Old Trafford this summer will be good news for Carrick and INEOS as they look to complete their summer stadium renovations.
However, a fee of £42m would still need to be agreed to complete the move – but it could prove to be a big deal if he can replicate his World Cup performances.
