Man United concerns grow as Belgian media slam Youri Tielemans after latest display
Man United star Youri Tielemans has been criticised by Belgian media after their Nations League defeat to France on Monday.
Tielemans, 29, is yet to show his best form at Man United since joining from Aston Villa for £35million in the summer.
He has been a mainstay in Michael Carrick's side but they sit 12th in the Premier League and have won in just two of his seven competitive appearances so far.
The international break has provided Tielemans with the chance to return to form with Belgium before heading back to Old Trafford next month.
He struggled in the middle of the park on Monday as they were beaten 1-0 on home turf by France in their second 2026-27 Nations League 'A' fixture.
The Belgium captain was slammed by one particular media outlet after the clash, as others took a more balanced view on his performance.
Youri Tielemans 'did not exist' in midfield against France
Tielemans was praised for his showing last Friday as Belgium emerged with a 2-0 win in Italy to kick their Nations League campaign off in impressive fashion.
He was handed another start as they welcomed France to Brussels on Monday, but Michael Olise's late strike saw the visitors come away with all three points.
Tielemans emerged with just 81 per cent pass completion, six ground duels won from 12 attempts and was booked in the second half, but did create two chances for the hosts.
Upon review of his performance, Belgian outlet DHnet said: "He had trouble keeping the ball in the team, but he also grew into the game after the break."
While Nieuwsblad were more positive as they wrote: "Put in a lot of hard, thankless running for the team. Was consistently among the first to press. Blasted a shot over the bar with his left foot from distance."
L'Equipe offered some pretty simple, but damning, criticism of his showing for the Diables Rouges, saying: "In the middle, Youri Tielemans (3) did not exist."
How did Senne Lammens get on vs France?
Lammens has also not been at his best for United so far this season, but could return to the club with more confidence as he impresses for his country.
The 24-year-old stopper made five saves against Les Bleus, preventing 0.66 xG as he completed 21 passes and made nine ball recoveries.
DHnet admitted in their player ratings that there was "nothing he could have done" about Olise's late strike, while Nieuwsblad insisted that he "saved everything he needed to" until the goal.