Michael Carrick singled out Youri Tielemans for praise following Sunday's stalemate at Elland Road.
Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw with their arch-rivals Leeds United, leaving them 13th-placed by the end of the weekend.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Weighing in on his side's performance post-match, Carrick said of the summer signing: "I've been really impressed with Youri. He's exactly what we thought and hoped for, bringing him into the group.
"I think his experience, his presence, [and] his personality [are beneficial]. Youri's definitely one of those where he'll do anything you ask him for the benefit of the team.

#youri #regan

After the false start and the worst start, Michael Carrick ******* ounced it a fresh start. Manchester United have their fewest wins in their opening seven league games of a campaign for 40 years – just the one – and have not tasted victory in six matches in all competitions. Their manager nevertheless emerged from consecutive away games that brought defeat to Atletico Madrid and a draw at Leeds appearing more upbeat about their prospects.
"I understand the situation doesn't look too good if you look at it from a certain way, but I got no doubts that we can go on a good run," he said. That certain way could involve referencing results or the league table; seven games in, the club who finished third last season are already nine points adrift of the top three.
Carrick believes he has detected a good feeling around his squad, whether or not it stems from Lisandro Martinez's public criticism of director of football Jason Wilcox. "I felt like [it was] a bit of a fresh start today and where we're at, and accepting it and doing something about it," he said. Perhaps not doing enough about it, given the result was exactly the same – a 1-1 draw – as in their previous two league games.
Michael Carrick thinks Man United's new-look midfield, including Youri Tielemans (pictured), can lead their rebuild (Reuters)
If there is improvement in Carrick's camp, it has come from a low bar. And, in fairness, the performances in the intimidating atmospheres of the Metropolitano and Elland Road are not among United's four worst this season – Hull, Manchester City, Brighton, Tottenham – but, again, that is scarcely a compliment.

#carrick

Gary Neville believes Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Sunday is a positive stride in the right direction.
United were on course for victory after Bryan Mbeumo put them ahead in the 35th minute.
The 27-year-old had failed to hit the target with a free header but quickly made amends by battling past James Justin to fire home Youri Tieleman's excellent pass.
Leeds came out much improved after the break and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the equaliser in the 51st minute.
Both teams had chances to win the game but neither could find the decisive finish as the points were shared.

#leeds #mbeumo

Daniel Farke wasn't having it that Leeds United were the favourites for this game but there was nothing he could do about the level of expectation around his club going into it.
Last season Leeds drew this fixture 1-1 and then in April claimed their first league win at Old Trafford since 1981. Being truly competitive in the Premier League in both the post-promotion campaign and so far this term allowed supporters not only to dream of Elland Road glory on Sunday afternoon but perhaps even to expect it. Throw in the narrative surrounding the visitors given all that has transpired there of late and at the very least it felt like a big chance.
Yet if reality was to meet expectation, the first half did not make it immediately obvious. A frenetic first few minutes was as anticipated. Ethan Ampadu, leading the team out for the 100th time as captain, was at the heart of an aggressive start. He set the tone by levelling Carlos Baleba to concede one free-kick, then caught Bryan Mbeumo on the ankle to concede another, somehow without seeing yellow.
Neither Bruno Fernandes nor Gabriel Gudmundsson got away with their early transgressions, however. So it was tetchy and fractious, but the play that was punctuated by fouls was largely in the home side's favour. Leeds saw plenty of the ball, some of it in the opposition territory, and though there were dangerous-looking deliveries into the box, only Nico Elvedi's header - saved by Senne Lammens - threatened to open the scoring.
At the other end Mbeumo arrived completely unmarked to head Youri Tielemans' scooped cross past James Trafford's left-hand post. It was a let-off as much as a warning but there was very little between the teams in a first half full of huffing and puffing and largely devoid of magic.

#expectation #post #largely

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha tips his teammate and compatriot Andrey Santos to turn heads this season.
The defensive midfielder was the club's first summer signing, completing a transfer from Chelsea for £48 million.
The Brazilian was later followed by another two midfielders in the shape Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, as the Red Devils completely revamped the department.
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Thanks to his relatively early arrival, Santos was a mainstay in Michael Carrick's starting lineup in pre-season, forming a solid partnership with Mason Mount prior to the latter's injury.

#matheus

2
For most who watched Manchester United's pre-season friendlies, one thing stood out clearly: in Andrey Santos, the club had signed an exceptionally talented midfielder.
The Brazilian proved an instant hit. He brought composure and **** urance to the engine room, constantly demanded the ball, dropped deep to receive it, and displayed an impressive passing range.
Many United fans also noted the excellent understanding he quickly developed with Mason Mount. Together, they formed a lively and effective partnership in the middle of the park.
Both having missed the World Cup and featuring heavily throughout pre-season, a Mount-Santos midfield looked the natural choice for Michael Carrick at the start of the campaign, while he gradually eased Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans into the side. However, Mount picked up an injury that derailed those plans.

#season

3
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes produced a sensational performance to help the team to a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK in their Champions League opener.
Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock for United inside 27 minutes when he supplied a delicate finish to Patrick Dorgu's delivery.
Fernandes doubled United's advantage 15 minutes later, rounding off a brilliant team move, with Youri Tielemans registering the first **** ist of his Old Trafford career. Benjamin Sesko then rounded off the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 just before the break.
Lisandro Martínez pounced on a scramble inside the box to add a fourth in the second half, removing any lingering uncertainty about the outcome.

#inside #minutes

Aston Villa begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign at Club Brugge on Tuesday, returning to continental football for the first time since winning the Europa League in Istanbul four months ago.
The Belgian champions, who have reached the knockout stage in each of their last three European campaigns, provide an early test for a Villa squad still adjusting to a heavy summer rebuild.
Tuesday's meeting is the fourth between these clubs in two years. Brugge won the earlier league-phase fixture 1-0 in Belgium during 2024-25, but Villa gained revenge in the round of 16, winning 6-1 on aggregate courtesy of a 3-1 victory in Bruges followed by a 3-0 win at Villa Park.
Both clubs sold key players for significant fees over the summer, with Villa losing Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martínez; Brugge have adapted more quickly, sitting second in the Belgian Pro League after four wins from five matches, while Villa have collected only a single point from their opening three Premier League games and remain without a league goal this season.
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026

#four #three #summer

Michael Carrick is confident that Manchester United can compete at the top of the Premier League despite comparatively limited spending compared to rivals.
Manchester United spent around £163m on new signings during the summer, focusing on a midfield rebuild with Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos all arriving at Old Trafford.
Their £163m spend ranked ninth for overall spending and seventh for net spend across the Premier League.
For comparison, Manchester City spent £440.3m on new signings, with Chelsea (£342.4m) and Tottenham (£334m) and Liverpool (£250.1m) all spending heavily.
Despite the larger investment from direct rivals, Carrick is confident he has put together a squad that can compete, and said success is not always about price tags.

#league #compete

2
The atmosphere at Carrington is incredibly positive heading into Manchester United's clash against Everton on Sunday.
The Red Devils enjoyed a solid pre-season under Michael Carrick and, after suffering a surprise defeat at the hands of Hull City, they bounced back in style at Old Trafford, scoring five past Ipswich Town.
United's midfield demonstrated they could be a real menace for opponents this season. Youri Tielemans has quickly settled into life at the club and there is genuine excitement about Carlos Baleba.
United insiders have reportedly highlighted Baleba's upbeat personality and light-hearted presence around the squad.

#carrington

2
Manchester United's pursuit of a new left-back ultimately ended in disappointment this summer. The Red Devils spent much of the transfer window focusing on midfield reinforcements, signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.
The left-back position was also a priority for the English giants this summer, especially with Luke Shaw already on the wrong side of 30. The veteran full-back's contract expires at the end of this season, further complicating matters for INEOS.
While the Englishman started every Premier League game last season, it was imperative to lay down succession plans for the future. Several emerging and established candidates were monitored for the role, including Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, and RB Leipzig's David Raum.
Unfortunately, United failed to land any of their left-back targets and ended the summer without adding cover for Shaw to their squad. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now named a surprise candidate who was also eyed as an option for the job.

#left #back #shaw #devils

Michael Carrick insisted Manchester United have a stronger squad than they did last season as he said they have made the most of their money - despite being outspent by their Premier League rivals
United paid £148m for three midfielders, in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, who came in as Casemiro left.
But they did not buy in other positions while Manchester City spent more than £400m, both Chelsea and Tottenham more than £300m and ***** nal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Liverpool more then £200m.
Michael Carrick is happy with Manchester United's business (Getty)
Carrick is content with the business United have done and said: "We went in wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season, and we've definitely added to that. I think we've done a lot of good work in that respect. The situation is what it is, in terms of finances and what we can work with and what we're trying to get the most of.

#manchester #we 've

2
Manchester United had a quiet end to the summer after being linked with several names in the final days of the transfer window. The Red Devils entered the transfer market riding the optimism of last season's third-placed finish in the Premier League.
With the midfield earmarked as the area requiring urgent attention, the English giants moved quickly to secure the services of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. This was followed by a period of inactivity before INEOS managed to prise Carlos Baleba away from Brighton & Hove Albion.
With the midfield undergoing a revamp, United were next expected to focus on signing a new striker and a left-back. Consequently, the Red Devils were linked with Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic and Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall, among others.
Unfortunately, United ended the summer without reinforcing either position. The Red Devils have now confirmed their squad for the Premier League season.

#premier #midfield

1
While most fans expected Manchester United to go all out to sign a left-back on deadline day, INEOS had other ideas.
Despite completing a midfield revamp by signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba, the co-owners wanted to add one more name.
Leicester City's Louis Page had caught the Red Devils' eye, and United tried their hardest to complete a sensational late move for the 18-year-old.
However, a move never materialised as the Foxes named him in their starting lineup for the game against Plymouth Argyle, while their financial demands also proved to be a significant obstacle.

#united

HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Youri Tielemans of Manchester United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Jadon Sancho of Manchester United runs with the ball during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) Getty
HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Getty
The 2026 summer transfer window has ended, and Manchester United had an uneventful deadline.
The Red Devils were linked to multiple players, including Lewis Hall, Jorge Salinas, Louis Page and Igor Matanovic.

#manchester #stadium #images #match

Manchester United made a shock approach to sign left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from rivals Manchester City before the transfer deadline.
United checked with City on whether they could sign the defender on loan, following an approach from the Algeria international's representatives last week.
It is understood, however, that United were informed that a loan would only be possible with an obligation to buy, which United were not interested in.
The focus of United's summer has been on strengthening Michael Carrick's midfield, with deals for Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
But left back was an area of concern ahead of the deadline with United lacking established options beyond former England international Luke Shaw.

#united #city #back #deadline

SV Werder Bremen have announced the signing of Youri Regeer who joins on a one-year loan from Ajax Amsterdam.
The Bundesliga club from the north of Germany have also secured an option to buy the 23-year-old for €5million next summer.
Regeer can play both in central midfield and as a right-back, adding necessary cover after the injury sustained by Jens Stage.
Arthur from Bayer Leverkusen is also expected to join Bremen, which will offer more competition at right-back.
Regeer has already made eight competitive appearances for Ajax this season – starting all eight from the first whistle.

#right #werder

Luke Shaw poured praise on Kobbie Mainoo after the youngster's 'phenomenal' display against Ipswich Town yesterday.
Manchester United secured their first win of 2026/2027 in emphatic fashion by defeating the newly-promoted Tractor Boys 5-2 at Old Trafford.
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Mainoo made his maiden start of the term after being limited to an off-the-bench cameo in the opening-day defeat to Hull City.
Michael Carrick was keen to restore the youngster to his rightful spot in the starting XI this time around, and opted to deploy Mainoo alongside the experienced Youri Tielemans – rather than 22-year-old Andrey Santos.

#LUKE #ipswich #united

Aston Villa could hardly have imagined a worse start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The Lions were torn apart by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, with Fabian Hurzeler's side needing just 31 minutes to put the game beyond doubt.
A Victor Lindelof own goal and a debut red card for Joao Gomes summed up a disastrous afternoon for Villa, who were forced into the relegation zone after losing 4-0 on opening day.
It's too early to say whether the heavy defeat points to deeper problems following the departures of several high-profile players including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, and Lucas Digne.
However, the Villans have sprung into action in the transfer market.

#villa #lions #brighton #stadium

Fabrizio Romano has ******* ured Manchester United fans that the club are still actively doing their utmost to bring in a left-back before the transfer deadline.
Having completed the much-needed midfield rebuild, INEOS have now turned their attention to bolstering Michael Carrick's backline.
(Photo via MUFCMpb)
However, after shelling out £148 million upfront for the arrivals of Andrey Santos (£48m), Carlos Baleba (£65m) and Youri Tielemans (£35m), the budget is limited in these final days.
The Reds have accepted that a deal for first-choice target Lewis Hall is not feasible this summer, partly due to the fee he would command, but primarily because of Newcastle United deeming him off-limits.

#romano #santos

Manchester United have completed the signing of midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton for a fee up to $95 million, to complete the Red Devils' expensive midfielder makeover during the transfer window.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international is the final piece of the puzzle for Michael Carrick's side after also adding Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos ($111 million combined) this summer. Put the new-boy trio alongside Bruno Fernandes and Man United's midfield has gone from definite weakness to potential strength, at least one paper.
Fernandes is fresh off breaking the Premier League's single-season ***** ist record with 21 last campaign as Man United finished 3rd after two terribly disappointing seasons down in 8th and 15th. The rest of the midfield was made up of Casemiro (33 PL starts), Kobbie Mainoo (16 starts) and a rotating carousel of Mason Mount (12) and Manuel Ugarte (8).
Casemiro ended up scoring nine goals last season (mostly from set pieces), but him and Ugarte were tasked with providing the defensive cover that gave Fernandes the freedom to win games in the final third. It worked well enough to get back in the UEFA Champions League, but Casemiro's age (34, now at Inter Miami) and Ugarte's lack of mobility (prior to tearing his ACL at the World Cup), and both player's lack of forward passing, meant they were a band-aid solution that needed ripping off sooner rather than later.
That's because this season, Man United have to win more games in which they dominate possession. They proved they can be a devastating attacking team with Fernandes feeding Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Amad Diallo, but they struggled terribly against opponents that defended deeper and flat out refused to give them ***** e in behind, instead setting up their own counter-attacks and — you guessed it — taking advantage of Man United's much slower defensive midfielders and defenders.

#midfielder #final

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70 million ($95 million).
After securing a Champions League return with last season's third-place finish, there has been a focus on bolstering Michael Carrick's midfield heading into the new Premier League campaign.
United saw influential Casemiro depart and Manuel Ugarte sustain a serious knee injury during a summer in which Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.
Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils' midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months after agreeing a £65 million deal plus £5 million in add-ons and a sell-on with Brighton.
"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour," the Cameroon international said.

#million

Manchester United have signed Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a £70m deal.
The Old Trafford club have paid an initial £65m, plus a potential £5m in add-ons, for the 22-year-old, while Brighton have negotiated a sell-on clause.
United targeted Baleba after deciding to strengthen their midfield further following the summer arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Baleba has signed a five year-contract at Old Trafford, with the option to extend for a further year.
"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," he said. "Playing at Old Trafford is always special, but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.

#baleba #manchester #further

Manchester United are 'unlikely' to make more signings before the transfer window deadline next week.
Michael Carrick's side have been active in the summer transfer window and are nearing a £65m deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton, who will become the club's fourth senior signing of the summer.
Manchester United have rebuilt their midfield options after acquiring Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow has arrived as back-up to Senne Lammens.
The Red Devils have been linked with adding another forward and a left-back, but Sky Sports reports that further business is 'unlikely'.
United have been frustrated in their pursuit of Newcastle defender Lewis Hall, with the 21-year-old and ****** nal full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly both too expensive as things stands.

#unlikely #transfer #window

A summer of change off the pitch for Aston Villa was followed by one of the worst opening 45 minutes of a season in Premier League history as Unai Emery's side collapsed at Brighton.
Last season's Europa League winners went into the new campaign having lost four of the players that started their 3-0 win over Freiburg in May. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa's exits could also soon be followed by two more first-team stars in Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, who were both left out of Villa's matchday squad at Brighton.
A new-look Villa went behind inside eight minutes in calamitous fashion as Victor Lindelof bundled into his own net before Brighton's Maxim De Cuyper doubled their advantage. Jack Hinshelwood then scored twice in two minutes before Villa's Joao Gomes, a £38m signing from Wolves, was sent off on his first Premier League appearance for his new club.
Hinshelwood's first goal was followed by another straight from kick-off. Gomes was caught in possession on the edge of his own box before Hinshelwood finished into an empty net for his second - just 80 seconds after his first.
It then went from bad to worse for debutant Gomes, who was earlier booked for waving an imaginary yellow card towards Pascal Gross, as he received a straight red card for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.

#minutes #villa

What's going on on the island? After Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, two of the favorites, already took a fully deserved beating, the next underdog is frustrating the supposedly stronger team on paper.
And "frustrating" is really an understatement. Brighton & Hove Albion were already 4-0 up after just 30 minutes against the reigning Europa League winners and last season's fourth-placed side, Aston Villa.
Fabian Hürzeler's Seagulls were ruthless. After an early own goal by Lindelöf, De Cuyper added another in the 18th minute. Homegrown talent Hinshelwood then piled on two more with a quickfire brace after half an hour.
As if that wasn't already bitter enough, the team from Birmingham then reduced themselves to ten men. João Gomes was shown a red card for violent conduct.
After Unai Emery's side recently put in a good showing against PSG in the Super Cup, this is a massive blow to start the season. Perhaps the departures of three key starters — Youri Tielemans (move to Man United), Lucas Digne (move to PSG), and Morgan Rogers (move to Chelsea) — will be felt more than initially thought after all.

#already #move #frustrating #team

Manchester United may stand a genuine chance at landing Alejandro Balde, who is now willing to leave Barcelona.
The Red Devils have practically finalised their midfield revamp, as they're about to add Carlos Baleba to their squad. The Cameroonian will join Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, who signed for United last month.
Therefore, INEOS can now primarily focus on recruiting a new left-back in the final days of the summer transfer window.
At the start of the summer, United were keen to buy Lewis Hall, identifying him as the perfect long-term replacement for Luke Shaw. However, Newcastle United refused to negotiate a deal with their rivals, especially after selling three key players already: Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimaraes.
Therefore, Man Utd have turned to alternative solutions, including Balde, who has been unsettled in Catalunya.

#balde #alejandro #baleba

Manchester United are set to announce the signing of Carlos Baleba imminently after all documents were exchanged with Brighton.
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the Cameroon midfielder from Brighton for an initial fee of £65, with a further £5m dependent on add-ons. Brighton will also retain a sell-on clause for the 22-year-old as part of the agreement.
Baleba will become Michael Carrick's third midfield signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The focus on midfield comes amid Casemiro's exit and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that all documents have been exchanged with official confirmation expected shortly. It will represent the conclusion of a long-term pursuit for Manchester United, who saw an approach for Baleba rejected last summer.
The transfer also represents a boost for the Red Devils following their opening day loss at Hull City. Carrick's side lost 2-0 to the newly-promoted Tigers in an upset at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

#baleba #brighton #signing #midfield

Manchester United have started the new Premier League season the hard way. A 2-0 defeat at Hull City exposed familiar problems, flat possession, a lack of incision and too little control in midfield when the game turned against them.
The immediate noise around Old Trafford centres on Carlos Baleba. Reports suggest United have agreed a £65m deal with Brighton for the midfielder, with the player understood to be progressing towards the final stages of the move. Carrick, predictably, said very little. "I had all eyes on (the match vs Hull) today so any other player, until he's ours, it's not for me to comment on." That is standard enough. Managers do not confirm business until the paperwork is done.
Photo IMAGO
Baleba's potential arrival matters because United looked short in key areas at Hull. The new midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans never imposed themselves and Hull took advantage early. United were two down by half-time and, from there, the afternoon became a test of nerve more than quality.
There were changes after the break. Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko and Kobbie Mainoo were introduced, but the game never swung. United had more of the ball, Hull stayed organised and the home side managed the contest well.

#united #midfield #game #player

Hull City Official Line-ups:
Kostas Tzolakis, Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Semi Ajayi, ***** el Mendy, Ryan Giles, Regan Slater, Matt Crooks, Mohamed Belloumi, Oliver McBurnie, Elliot Stroud
Manchester United Official Line-ups:
Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha
1':

#egan