Manchester United started their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 win over Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Red Devils were heavily fancied to beat the competition newcomers and lived up to expectations with a comfortable victory.
The goals were shared by Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez.
The midfield duo were also brilliant against Sabah. Manager Michael Carrick said that Kobbie Mainoo was a ‘real joy‘ to watch.
Carrick likewise appreciated a ‘really good‘ performance from Youri Tielemans, who has become a key player for the club.
He said: “I think Youri has settled in well and I thought he was really good tonight again.”
The Belgian arrived from Aston Villa for £35 million this summer and has been ever-present in the starting XI for the Red Devils.
Questions have been raised about his mobility and ball progression, but he produced a fine showing with an assist yesterday.
Aside from his goal contribution, Tielemans completed 98 percent of his passes (47/48).
His pass accuracy was 100 percent in the opposition half (28/28), while he won 100 percent of his long balls (2/2) and aerial duels (2/2).
Of course, United were playing against an outfit they were expected to beat, but Tielemans should be pleased with his all-round showing.
The Red Devils have an entertaining Premier League derby coming up against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Tielemans’ half-time substitution against Sabah is a clear-cut hint that the midfielder will be in contention to start against the Cityzens.
The 29-year-old has been a certainty in the starting XI since the season began, and that’s unlikely to change in the Manchester derby.
Andrey Santos is the alternative central midfielder Carrick could choose, but he has only been a late substitute in the last three outings.
Hence, Tielemans looks poised to partner Mainoo in the heart of the midfield against Man City, a game which already appears a must-win.
United are trailing leaders Man City and Arsenal by five points in the league and can’t afford to lose further ground after just four games if they have ambitions of challenging for the title.
Stats from Sofascore.com