Manchester United are seriously considering Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans as an alternative to Frenkie de Jong, according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs.
The journalist said earlier this week that manager Erik ten Hag is a fan of the Belgian international and he has since suggested that United’s interest in the player is “growing”:
Man United's interest in Tielemans is genuine, too, and growing. He's a far cheaper and less complicated option than Frenkie de Jong. Erik ten Hag has put him on a midfield shortlist. Tielemans indicated under Ralf Rangnick he didn't want to move to #MUFC but ten Hag may revisit.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 20, 2022
Supporters on Twitter have mixed feelings about pursuing Tielemans. Some believe that de Jong is a much better fit for ten Hag’s system, while others feel the Leicester player could be worth a gamble considering he can be signed for a fee between £25m and £30m this summer:
We should be all over him, £30m will do
— Marius Østby (@StbyMarius) July 20, 2022
God I hope not.
— Mathew (@MatJones_8) July 20, 2022
Much Epl experience than FDJ PLEASE SIGN!
— worldbossofficial (@worldboss4real) July 20, 2022
We’re finished
— Odogwu (@Nonso__6) July 20, 2022
Makes sense
— stanfolley (@STANFOLLEY_) July 20, 2022
Not going to happen
— christopher leighton (@redevil2011) July 20, 2022
Great news
— Olatunji (@haarchiva97) July 20, 2022
This isn't it – just get FDJ
— Aidan Walsh 🔰 (@AidanWalshMUFC) July 20, 2022
It must be said that de Jong and Tielemans are not really that similar as players. The Barca star prefers playing in a holding midfield role, while the Belgian is better in more advanced positions.
Considering how long they have waited to bring in de Jong, it would be a surprise if United drop out of the race now, so it’s probably not wise to take these Tielemans’ links too seriously for the time being.
