Jamie Carragher has warned Youri Tielemans is 'not going to last' in the Manchester United first-team unless their set-up changes quickly. United have taken just six points from their opening six Premier League games, lucky to escape with a draw at home to Tottenham on Saturday.
Midfield pairing exposed
Michael Carrick's side were overrun and overpowered from the opening whistle in a woeful first-half with Kobbie Mainoo and Tielemans in midfield particularly exposed. The duo has emerged as the manager's first choice pairing but former United captain Gary Neville has already 'seen enough', fearing the partnership is not dynamic enough to deal with the demands of Premier League football.
Tielemans' arrival and struggles
Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa for £35million during the summer transfer window alongside Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba from Chelsea and Brighton respectively. But Carragher believes United's lack of intensity and failure to stay compact will see the Belgium international continue to struggle.
Carragher told Sky Sports: 'Why did Tielemans look good at Aston Villa and he's really struggled so far at Manchester United? When you look at an Unai Emery team, they are coached to within an inch of their lives every day and every time you watch Aston Villa game, that team is compact and together. And when you have a player who isn't great athletically which he isn't, you need your team to be super compact. That is exactly the opposite.'
Comparison with Liverpool's Mac Allister
'This is a problem Liverpool had last season with Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister has looked better this season because the team is tighter and more compact and that is what Manchester United need to do or he is not going to last, he's not going to be in the team.'
United return to action in the Champions League tonight away to Atletico Madrid. They will be without Mainoo in midfield with the England international not making the trip to the Spanish capital.
