Manchester United's New Midfield Duo: Tielemans and Santos
Manchester United are ready to throw both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos straight into the heat of the Premier League as Michael Carrick’s side open their campaign away to Hull City today.
The new season starts with a new look in United’s engine room. Santos, a £50million arrival from Chelsea, has barely missed a beat since walking through the door. He featured in all six pre-season friendlies, a constant presence in Carrick’s preparations, and all signs point to the Brazilian anchoring midfield at the MKM Stadium this afternoon.
Tielemans has taken a different route to this point. The Belgian joined later after an extended post-World Cup break following his country’s run to the quarter-finals, but any concerns about fitness were eased when he completed the full 90 minutes against Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in Poland. That outing has put him in contention to start alongside Santos, adding control and passing range to United’s core.
Carrick, gearing up for his first full season as permanent Man Utd head coach, may not overcomplicate things. He is expected to stick with the same midfield trio that began the 4-2 defeat to Milan, which would see captain Bruno Fernandes restored to his favoured No 10 role, operating just behind the striker with Tielemans and Santos as his platform.
Defensive Lineup
At the back, the picture is less settled. Lisandro Martinez’s lack of match sharpness has opened the door for youth. Ayden Heaven is pushing hard to partner Harry Maguire in central defence, and Carrick could reward the youngster’s pre-season form by starting him ahead of Leny Yoro against one of Maguire’s former clubs.
There is more clarity on the left side. Senne Lammens is set to start in goal, while Luke Shaw is expected to line up at left-back. The right flank of the defence, though, remains a live debate. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are locked in a tight battle for the starting berth, with Carrick weighing Dalot’s familiarity with the system against Mazraoui’s attacking thrust.
Attacking Options
Further forward, Patrick Dorgu has complicated matters in the best possible way. Once viewed primarily as a full-back, he has been reshaped into a left winger, especially around a cruel injury he suffered in January against Arsenal. His transformation has created a real selection headache, because that flank is also where Matheus Cunha does his best work.
For now, circumstance might settle it. With Benjamin Sesko not yet ready to start after a three-month injury lay-off, Cunha is likely to deputise once again as the central striker. That would free Dorgu to keep his place on the left, while Bryan Mbeumo shifts back to his more natural role on the right side of the attack.
Carrick’s first full season begins with bold calls, new blood and a bench full of restless alternatives. Hull away will show quickly whether this reshaped United are ready to live with the demands of the campaign to come.
