Jamie Carragher has praised the 'absolute quality' of Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans after Michael Carrick altered his position in the draw with Leeds United.
United left Elland Road with a point on Sunday after Dominic Calvert-Lewin's second-half goal cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo's opener. The visitors started brightly with Tielemans occupying a more advanced role alongside Bruno Fernandes and Mbeumo in attack.
Tielemans' New Role
The Belgium international, signed from Aston Villa for £35million in the summer, has started all seven Premier League matches this term. Five of those came alongside Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield, a partnership heavily criticised by former United captain Gary Neville.
With Mainoo injured, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos started to provide more energy in central midfield against Leeds. Tielemans impressed in his role further up the pitch, providing the assist for Mbeumo's goal with a precise pass in the final third. The change gave United more legs in the middle of the park, with Tielemans' vision and quality on the ball providing their best moment of the game.
Carragher's Verdict
'This is vitally important for United,' Carragher told Sky Sports. 'The fact he scans and plays it on his backfoot means he can play it wide.'
'If he doesn't take it on his back foot, the ball goes back. He's scanning, looking over his left shoulder, looking where Bruno Fernandes is, looking where Bryan Mbeumo is. He knows Mbeumo is in that area and he knows he is going to find him. Absolute quality. Brilliant finish, but from Tielemans it was absolutely fantastic.'
Carrick's Praise
Carrick was also pleased with Tielemans' performance. 'I've been really impressed with Youri,' the United boss said post-match. 'He's exactly what we thought and hoped for, bringing him into the group.'
'I think his experience, his presence, his personality. Youri's definitely one of those where he'll do anything you ask him for the benefit of the team. He's got a huge amount of experience, and he was right there today again at the front of it, leading the team. We've got some really good experienced players, and he's definitely added to that.'
