Youri Tielemans recently completed a £35 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester United and a surprise figure at Old Trafford helped get that deal over the line.
Manchester United fans were delighted when it was announced that Youri Tielemans would be joining the club from Aston Villa.
It was not only because the deal was done at a speed that United supporters are unfamiliar with, but also due to the quality of the player coming through the door.
Tielemans has been one of the most important players under Unai Emery at Villa Park in recent years and decided that he wanted to take the next step in his career this summer.
Michael Carrick was in desperate need of midfield reinforcements following Casemiro's exit, and the additions of Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Chelsea have bolstered the squad.
Tielemans reveals Evans' influence in United move
The Reds have been linked previously with Tielemans and those at the club knew all about his qualities in the middle of the park.
But it was also important to know what kind of person he was away from the pitch. INEOS have made sure to do extensive background checks on the players they sign as they want a good environment at Carrington.
Those in charge did not need to go for to find character references for the 29-year-old, however, as Jonny Evans is a former teammate of the new signing.
Evans, now part of Carrick's coaching staff, worked with Tielemans at Leicester City between 2019 and 2023 and the Belgian has explained how the United academy graduate is a 'big influence' for him.
“Jonny has been a big influence. I think he spoke with the manager about my character and my personality,” Tielemans told United's media team.
“He’s been a big influence, and I’ve always kept in touch with Jonny. He’s such a great guy.”
Tielemans has fantastic character
Recent reports have also suggested that Tielemans made sure to speak with Villa boss Emery before starting discussions with the Reds.
That is a clear example of his character and why he has been a leader in teams since he was a youngster.
United have to improve on the pitch and that means quality players need to be added to the squad.
But if you can ensure those players will also bring positivity, experience and good vibes throughout the week at the training ground, then it's even more impressive.
