Sam Allardyce has hailed Youri Tielemans as an "absolute bargain" for Manchester United, praising the club's shrewd transfer business and Aston Villa's ability to turn a profit on a player they signed for free.
The former England manager was speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast alongside Kevin Nolan and Natalie Pike, where he rated Tielemans' move to United as 9/10. "Oh, absolute bargain, [a] steal. Experience coming out of his ears, both internationally and in the Premier League, at Leicester, Aston Villa, only £30m I think," Allardyce said.
Premier League experience valued
Allardyce highlighted the midfielder's experience as the key factor in his assessment. "He's definitely a nine based on the whole package of experience of what he's got. If anything, he lacks a bit of pace but his brain, his intelligence, his quality on the ball," he added.
Ex-Bolton star Nolan agreed, saying: "I think price-wise, everything that comes with him, I think it's got to be probably strong nine, 10. I think that's the closest to a 10 I'd give because of everything he brings."
Villa's profit highlighted
Allardyce also noted Villa's role in the deal, pointing out the financial gain they made. "You've got to remember, this is £35m profit because he's on a free," he said. "How could Leicester have let him go on a free? Just let him run out of contract, let him go on a free. I mean, it's just like unbelievable."
Tielemans is one of three summer signings Michael Carrick has made so far, alongside Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow. Santos was the most expensive transfer after agreeing a £50m deal, while Darlow arrived on a free. United paid Villa £35m for Tielemans' signature.
Carrick remains calm after opening defeat
Tielemans appeared regularly throughout United's pre-season and played 67 minutes in their opening Premier League game against Hull City. The Reds fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat, but manager Carrick insists the positive signs are there.
"It's just one game, we're disappointed we haven't won. It's not more than that, it's not less than that. We've got to soak it up and come back stronger," Carrick said. "I'm talking to you quite calm. But I'm not exactly calm inside and enjoying the day, you know? It's 100% not that, trust me, it's not that. Inside we're hurting but it doesn't mean we all have to shout and scream and come out and create some chaos. The calmness doesn't mean there's no emotion in it, for sure."
