Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United have already accounted for Youri Tielemans’ patchy injury record.
The £35m deal to sign Youri Tielemans was a bargain for Manchester United this summer, but there is no denying that his availability may be inconsistent.
That is because Tielemans’ injury record is a slight concern. Last season, he missed over 100 days of action and 23 matches for club and country.
Youri Tielemans has been playing professionally since he was 16 years old, racking up over 600 matches in the process. United may not have the Belgian week-in, week-out, but that’s not a problem.
Getty Images
Youri Tielemans signs Manchester United contract
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United depth covers Youri Tielemans’ injury record
Tielemans has now joined up with United’s pre-season training camp and he could be available to face PSG this weekend.
But the Belgium international has a fight on his hands to claim a starting spot in Michael Carrick’s side.
That is because Andrey Santos and Mason Mount have a formidable partnership emerging in pre-season and could start the 2026/27 campaign as the first-choice double pivot.
Kobbie Mainoo is also yet to join up with the squad, and after playing every match under Carrick last season, he will also be pushing for a starting spot.
Andrey Santos and Mason Mount split
Andrey Santos and Mason Mount split
The reality is that United have four competitions to play next season, and Carrick will need to rotate.
Mount and Santos have proven they can capably step in if Tielemans is injured or in need of a rest, and a third midfield signing could also arrive to add even more competition.
United can afford for Tielemans to be a luxury player next season.
Even with his injuries last season, Tielemans still played over 2,500 minutes for Aston Villa across all competitions.
If he is able to replicate those figures for United in 2026/27, that will be more than acceptable from the new signing.