Harry Maguire has high hopes for Manchester United's new signings, singling out Youri Tielemans for immediate impact and tipping Andrey Santos to develop into a key player. The club has brought in Santos from Chelsea, Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million, and Karl Darlow from Leeds United, with more arrivals possible before the transfer window closes.
Maguire's verdict on new arrivals
Speaking to Manchester United's club media, Maguire praised Santos's rapid progress since joining at the start of pre-season. 'Andrey has been here since minute one of pre-season and he's been amazing. You can really feel the progress he's making already,' he said.
On Tielemans, Maguire recalled playing alongside the Belgian at Leicester City before his own move in 2019. 'Youri, I played with him at Leicester for a few months so I know the ability and talent that he has. He's at an age now where he's going to come in, I'm sure he's not going to need settling in, he's going to come in and be a big player for this club. He's a top player, I know that.'
Darlow's role in the squad
The England international also highlighted the value of Karl Darlow, who is currently injured but provides leadership and character. 'Karl is out for a little bit at the moment, but I know Karl, I've played against him numerous times over the years. He's a great lad to have around the place, around the dressing room. He can bring great leadership and value to the team on the pitch but also off the pitch as well,' Maguire added.
Pre-season and season ahead
Manchester United face Leeds United in Dublin on Wednesday and AC Milan in Poland in their final pre-season friendly. Their Premier League campaign begins on August 22 against Hull City, one of Maguire's former clubs.
Maguire believes the team can improve on last season's performances under Michael Carrick. 'There will be new ideas and different ways of playing. Last season, we played very well in certain matches, but we could have done better in others. We know that. The results and points were there, but we could have delivered better performances. We worked on it during the pre-season, and I think we'll see better performances.'
