Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Ahead of the game, the Red Devils have suffered a huge setback with midfielder Carlos Baleba ruled out with a hamstring injury for several weeks.
Youri Tielemans came on as a substitute for the injured Baleba against Roma in the Champions League in midweek, and had a relatively good outing.
United legend Peter Schmeichel believed the 29-year-old ‘changed the game‘ as he drove the club forward, but starting him on Sunday could be a risk.
Tielemans’ limited mobility has already caused concern for United this term.
The Belgian ace could not keep up with Como’s regular pressing in midfield, and he faced a similar situation against Bournemouth, losing countless duels.
Tielemans was substituted at the interval against the Cherries. He was an unused substitute at Chelsea before returning against the Giallorossi on Tuesday.
Roma’s lack of attacking intent after going 2-0 up meant that Tielemans had the room to press forward without having to worry much about his positioning.
However, he will face a completely different contest against Villa, who know him very well.
The Belgian ace could be targeted in the centre of the park through a three-man midfield of Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes and Villa captain John McGinn.
McGinn has had the better of several elite Premier League midfielders with his work rate and high pressing, and Tielemans may struggle to cope with the Scot.
If that becomes the case, Kobbie Mainoo could become isolated in the centre of the park, particularly with Bruno Fernandes also not known for his defensive solidity.
Hence, we feel manager Michael Carrick must unleash Andrey Santos alongside Mainoo in central midfield, with Fernandes occupying the number 10 position.
Santos, signed for £48 million from Chelsea last summer, is an obvious and more natural replacement for Baleba, given he has better positional awareness as a number six.
The midfield battle could be a key decider in Sunday’s league contest, and having Santos by the side of Mainoo would provide United with better defensive resolve.
Compared to Tielemans, he has won more duels (58% to 51%) this season. He also loses possession less often per game (5 to 10), which could be crucial this weekend.
Carrick will no doubt be tempted to play Tielemans following the midweek cameo, but starting Santos would suit United better against Unai Emery’s side at home.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com