Manchester United’s Midfield Plan Emerges as Michael Carrick Sought Jonny Evans’ Advice on Tielemans
By Admin, Lagos
Manchester United’s decision to strengthen their midfield this summer was influenced by Michael Carrick’s assessment of Youri Tielemans, with Jonny Evans providing valuable insight into the Belgian midfielder’s leadership qualities.
United have completed the signing of Tielemans from Aston Villa for a reported £35 million, while also bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea as part of their midfield rebuild.
The club identified the position as a major priority following Casemiro’s departure at the end of last season. United were also briefly left with only one fit senior midfielder after Manuel Ugarte suffered an injury during the World Cup.
However, following the arrivals of Tielemans and Santos, the club’s urgency to bring in another midfielder appears to have eased. United remain open to further additions but are understood to be comfortable with their current options.
Carrick turned to Evans before Tielemans transfer
Before United moved for Tielemans, Carrick reportedly contacted Jonny Evans to get his opinion on the midfielder.
Evans knows Tielemans well, having played alongside him for four-and-a-half seasons at Leicester City. The pair made 127 appearances together for the club.
Speaking to MUTV, Evans praised the Belgian’s professionalism and leadership, revealing that Carrick specifically asked for his assessment.
“I played with Youri myself for four-and-a-half seasons at Leicester, so I know what Youri’s all about,” Evans said.
The former United defender added that Tielemans was already regarded as a player who set high standards during their time together at Leicester.
“He is 100 per cent a leader. Even at my time at Leicester, he was always one of the players that was setting high standards.”
Evans also highlighted Tielemans’ attitude and commitment, describing him as one of the best professionals he has encountered during his career.
“He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen in the game, the way he applies himself, and he’ll always give 100 per cent and push everyone around him.”
Tielemans reunites with familiar faces at United
The midfielder has already found several familiar faces at Manchester United following his move.
Tielemans previously played alongside Marcus Rashford during his loan spell at Aston Villa and also shared the Leicester dressing room with Harry Maguire and Evans.
Reflecting on his relationship with Maguire, Tielemans said the defender had developed significantly since their time together at Leicester.
He also spoke warmly about Evans, who has since joined United’s coaching staff.
“Jonny has always been a main character. He has always been trying to educate young players and he welcomed me at Leicester, and now here.”
Tielemans admitted it was unusual seeing Evans as a member of the coaching staff but said the former defender’s knowledge of his game has already been beneficial.
“He knows me, he knows what I need and what I can bring to the team, so it helps me as well.”
With Tielemans and Santos now part of the squad, Manchester United appear to have addressed a major area of concern ahead of the new season, although further midfield recruitment has not been completely ruled out.