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Scholes hails Tielemans deal but warns Man Utd need more
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has praised the club’s move for Youri Tielemans, describing the £35m deal as a phenomenal piece of business, but he cautioned that Old Trafford still needs further reinforcements to compete across a demanding season. Speaking against the backdrop of a World Cup-disrupted market, Scholes applauded the recruitment team for accelerating their work yet stressed the need for depth, particularly in midfield. Scholes’ endorsement of Tielemans centers on the Belgian’s versatility and top-flight experience. A composed ball-progressor with an eye for final-third combinations, Tielemans offers control and passing range that can raise the tempo in possession. Scholes, however, underlined a structural point: he cannot see Tielemans and academy prodigy Kobbie Mainoo starting together regularly, hinting that balance and defensive coverage remain priorities when Erik ten Hag sets up his midfield trio. United’s ambitions stretch across four competitions this season, raising the bar for squad depth. Scholes believes that to push deep in every tournament, United must add at least two more midfielders, blending profiles that offer ball-winning, athletic coverage, and off-ball discipline alongside creative contribution. That view aligns with suggestions from insiders that United are already exploring another midfield addition. Budget considerations and the premium nature of mid-season or tournament-window business complicate final decisions. While Tielemans’ arrival addresses control and forward passing, Scholes’ comments imply United still lack a specialist presence who can shield the back line, compress space in transition, and free creative players to operate higher. The next signing, therefore, could lean toward a combative No. 6 or a two-way No. 8 with strong pressing metrics. The conversation inevitably returns to role clarity for Mainoo. Scholes’ caveat about pairing Mainoo with Tielemans is less a critique of talent and more a note on chemistry and complementary skill sets. If United nail the next midfield profile, they can rotate intelligently: Tielemans as a tempo-setter, Mainoo offering dynamism and line-breaking carries, and a sturdier anchor managing defensive transitions. With recruitment accelerating despite the World Cup calendar squeeze, United’s midfield puzzle is closer to completion—but not finished. Tielemans may be the catalyst, yet Scholes’ verdict is clear: one signing changes the picture; two more may define the season.