Rio Ferdinand sits down with new Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans to discuss his surprise move to Old Trafford, his first conversations with Michael Carrick and why joining United was an opportunity he couldn't turn down.
Tielemans reveals what Carrick told him about his role, why the United boss sees similarities between them and how he wants Tielemans to control the tempo, take responsibility in possession and how he can help connect United's defence with their attacking players.
The Belgium captain gives his early assessment of his new midfield partners, discussing what Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos can each bring to the team. He explains why Bruno is a "nightmare" to play against, where Mainoo can still improve and why Santos could give United's midfield the security to attack with more freedom.
Tielemans also reveals some of the early details he's picked up inside the United squad - including which player was first to message him after his move, the funniest player on the training pitch and why he’s been pleasantly surprised with the ego and ‘edge’ within the leadership group of senior players.
He opens up on playing alongside Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa and why the player he saw every day was completely different to the public perception around him, praising his commitment, attitude and the qualities he can bring back to United.
Youri also reflects on becoming a Champions League player at just 16, the advice he'd give JJ Gabriel aged 15 and what he learned under Unai Emery at Aston Villa.
Plus, Tielemans builds his ultimate five-a-side team from the players he's shared a pitch with, featuring Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Jamie Vardy – revealing what made Hazard unlike anyone he'd ever played with and why Lukaku doesn't get the respect he deserves.
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