United’s new midfielders face “unfair” pressure, Hargreaves says

Pressure — not tactics, fitness, or integration — is the defining obstacle for every new Manchester United signing, according to former Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves. Speaking to TNT Sports, he framed the issue as systemic and historic, rooted in the club’s stature rather than individual shortcomings.

Midfield overhaul follows Casemiro exit

United’s summer transfer strategy centred almost exclusively on midfield reinforcement after Casemiro’s departure. The club signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba under INEOS ownership, while also securing goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer.

Tielemans and Santos started together in United’s 2–0 loss to Hull City last weekend — a result that briefly dampened enthusiasm surrounding the squad’s renewal. Baleba’s arrival earlier this week, however, signals continued momentum in the club’s rebuilding phase.

Hargreaves praises pivot after missed targets

Hargreaves acknowledged United’s pragmatic shift after failing to secure Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes. “They tried to sign [Elliot] Anderson and [Matheus] Fernandes but they were too expensive, and I thought they pivoted well,” he said.

He highlighted Tielemans’ consistent Premier League impact: “Tielemans is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. I remember watching him play as a teenager for Anderlecht and thinking this kid is special, and 14 years later, he’s still doing the business.”

Anderson ultimately joined Manchester City; Fernandes moved to Tottenham Hotspur.

“It’s almost not fair to them”

Hargreaves stressed that expectations at Old Trafford operate on a scale unmatched elsewhere. “I really like Tielemans and Santos, but one of the biggest issues at United down the years has been the pressure put on these players when they join one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he stated.

He contrasted the current environment with past eras: “Before, you could sign one player, but there was already Paul Scholes and other established players in the squad and that hasn’t been the case in recent years.”

“Some of these young guys have signed and not been able to manage the expectations. Just let these guys grow. They’re good players, but you can only start comparing them to previous teams when the team starts to win Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues. Nowadays, the club is not near that, but they’re building towards that goal.”

Patient development over instant comparison

Citing Michael Carrick’s career arc, Hargreaves urged restraint in evaluating young arrivals. “Michael Carrick at 21 wasn’t the same player at 28, so imagine critiquing him at the time like he was the finished product. That wouldn’t be fair.”

He extended that reasoning to current prospects: “With the likes of Santos, Kobbie and the incoming Baleba, these guys are still so young, so let them develop and with the experienced players around them, the team can become really good.”

United finished third in the Premier League last season. Carrick is expected to deliver again this campaign following that top-four finish.