Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United’s derby clash against Manchester City saw both sides field a new-look midfield.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City spent the 2026 summer transfer window rebuilding their midfield.
United’s 1-0 loss to City at Old Trafford was the first opportunity for the new midfield line-ups to meet, and it included a head-to-head clash between Youri Tielemans and Elliot Anderson.
Anderson was a top target for United, but City splashed £116m on his signature. United’s response was to shrewdly spend just £35m on Tielemans to headline the midfield rebuild.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Midfield battle: Youri Tielemans vs Elliot Anderson
Tielemans started for United alongside academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, while £116m signing Anderson started next to £125m signing Enzo Fernandez for City.
While City came away with the points, it is United who will be feeling more comfortable with their midfield decisions this summer.
Statistically, Tielemans blew Anderson out of the water, beating him in terms of passing, duelling and threat on goal.
Tielemans had a higher pass success rate, won a larger portion of his duels and had one key pass to Anderson’s zero.
Anderson did come out on top in terms of running statistics, but United should be delighted with their bargain deal for Tielemans.
Man United’s £35m midfield vs Man City’s £241m midfield
The total cost of United’s midfield pivot was just £35m, with Mainoo technically a free asset as an academy player.
Meanwhile, City have the most expensive midfield in the league.
READ MORE: Six biggest losers and just two winners as Man Utd robbed by Man City defeat
United won the midfield battle and were dominating possession even before Phil Foden’s red card, but it was a lousy VAR call that cost Michael Carrick’s side.
The Red Devils are also yet to be reinforced by £65m signing Carlos Baleba, who is expected to make his debut next month upon his recovery from injury.