Manchester United could be preparing for a very interesting midfield combination when Tottenham visit Old Trafford, with Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo and Carlos Baleba offering a completely different balance in the middle of the pitch.
The idea is simple but exciting: Tielemans can help control the tempo and dictate possession, Mainoo can carry the ball through pressure and connect midfield with attack, while Baleba brings the power, defensive presence and physicality that United have been looking for.
Baleba’s potential return is particularly interesting. After missing the opening part of the season with an ankle problem, he has been building his fitness and is now reportedly in contention to make his Manchester United debut against Tottenham. (Rotowire)
Mainoo has also established himself as an important part of Michael Carrick’s midfield, while Tielemans has been a regular starter during the opening weeks of the campaign. That makes the possibility of putting all three together a fascinating tactical experiment. (Rotowire)
And then comes the attacking threat.
With Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and a returning Amad potentially operating ahead of them, United would have plenty of movement, pace and creativity to cause Tottenham problems. Amad is also expected to be nearing a return after his injury layoff. (The Sun)
If Bruno Fernandes is unavailable, United will need other players to take responsibility in possession and keep the team moving forward. A midfield built around Tielemans, Mainoo and Baleba could provide three different qualities in one unit: control, ball progression and physical strength.
It would certainly be a bold change, but it is exactly the kind of midfield combination that could get Manchester United fans talking.
