Youri Tielemans has expressed his confidence in managing a potentially demanding season with Manchester United, aiming to prove his durability and contribute significantly to the team. The midfielder, who made his professional debut at 16 for Anderlecht, has accumulated 668 career appearances and believes he is ready for the physical challenges ahead, even as he eyes potential records held by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Tielemans acknowledged that he missed 21 games for Aston Villa last season due to ankle and calf issues, and that an overload of games during the World Cup contributed to a physical limit his body could not overcome. However, he feels that issue is now resolved and that he is 100 percent fit and ready for pre-season training.
"I feel very good, actually," Tielemans stated. "I had a little issue during the World Cup, which is sorted now, and I feel back 100 per cent fit. Obviously, pre-season is all about building up fitness for the season, but, yeah, I feel great. I feel like I am ready to go."
He discussed his first conversations with manager Michael Carrick, highlighting a "smelling football" philosophy that emphasizes retaining possession and pressing strategically. Tielemans sees this approach as natural to his game, learned during his time at Anderlecht.
"He wants to have the ball, he wants to press in certain ways," Tielemans explained. "It might be different than what you are used to, what I have been used to before, but it is logical things in my opinion. It is just smelling football, and that is what I have been doing from when I was young at Anderlecht. So for me, nothing changes."
Having played in various midfield roles, from a deep-lying defensive player to an advanced No. 10, Tielemans believes his best position is linking the defense to the attack, facilitating play for forwards like Bruno Fernandes.
"I just try and play forward as much as I can, either to Bruno [Fernandes] or the front line, to try and put them in positions that they can attack with freedom and that they can create and use their qualities," he said. "I have played different roles in my career. So yeah, I am not just glued to one system or one role. I try and do a bit of everything. Being that link between the defence and the attack, I think that suits me the best."
Despite the club's past interest in him in 2019 and 2022, Tielemans does not feel pressure stepping into the role potentially vacated by Casemiro, emphasizing his own unique qualities and career path.
Manchester United's acquisition of Tielemans for £35 million is seen by some within the club as a potentially valuable signing. His experience with Aston Villa, where he helped the club win the Europa Conference League, has provided him with proven Premier League credentials that align with the club's strategy.
"I just try to be myself, and it all comes in a natural way," Tielemans concluded. "I do not try to boss anyone around because no one likes that anyway. So I just try to be myself, be natural, and then obviously with good performances it helps others to follow."