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Ben Foster names unlikely signing of the summer who can inspire title bid

· Amy Hamerslagh · 2026-08-13T10:38:07+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Ben Foster names unlikely signing of the summer who can inspire Premier League title bid Ben Foster has named Youri Tielemans the signing of the summer and believes the midfielder will help Manchester United launch a genuine title bid. The Red Devils signed the Belgian international by triggering Aston Villa's £35million release clause. The 29-year-old playmaker has already played 668 games for club and country, scoring 79 goals across 578 club appearances. Tielemans has consistently proved himself as a big-game player, netting for Leicester City against Chelsea in the 2021 FA Cup final and scoring for Villa in last season's Europa League final. Additionally, he scored a monumental 89th-minute equaliser for Belgium against Senegal at the World Cup before converting from the penalty spot to seal an extra-time winner. Ahead of his debut campaign at Old Trafford, former United goalkeeper Ben Foster praised the former Leicester star as the standout acquisition of the transfer window. On talkSPORT, he said: "I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing of the summer so far. What a bit of business that is. "I’ve been watching the window so far - Tottenham and Arsenal spending a lot of money, but I still think Tielemans is the best signing. "For £35million, he is a ready-made, good to go, starting 11 player and I think if you can spend that money on a starter, it is worth every single penny." Bargain business Tielemans was not initially United's primary target, with transfer talks only accelerating after the Red Devils opted against signing Ederson from Atalanta due to a potential long-term issue flagged during his medical. A hamstring issue sustained during this summer's international tournament raised doubts on Tielemans' fitness; however, he passed his tests and became United's third summer signing alongside Karl Darlow and Andrey Santos. The Old Trafford hierarchy have spent just £85million combined on all three players, whereas Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all individually dropped over £100million on a single player this window. Michael Carrick's side are expected to complete further business before the window closes, with defence a key area they want to strengthen. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall continues to be heavily linked with a move to the North West. Premier League champions in waiting? Foster added: "I think there’s a definite chance for a Man United title charge if they can add one big boy up top. "Kobbie Mainoo has got a point to prove this season. Their defence is settled, they have a really strong attack, and then you have Tielemans coming in. "If they can carry on from last season, the standards have already been set from Michael Carrick, they will hope they can carry that forward into the next season as well." Appointing Michael Carrick midway through last season as interim head coach gives the squad a clear advantage, as the players already understand the expectation set at Carrington. On the other hand, title rivals Man City, Liverpool, and Chelsea will all be starting the season with a brand new manager and may require time to adapt. However, United will need to manage a far more congested calendar that includes mid-week Champions League fixtures. If Carrick's side are to mount a serious challenge to Arsenal's title defence, improving their goal difference will be paramount.