Manchester United announced the signing of Alex Telles from FC Porto in a £15.4 million deal that saw the 27-year old sign a four-year contract.
Telles has since gone on to make only seven Premier League appearances for United, six of which were from the start.
His biggest impact, however, has been providing competition for Luke Shaw, who looks like a totally new player since the Brazillian’s arrival.
Luke Shaw has five assists in 20 Premier League games for Manchester United this season.
One more than he managed in his previous 64 Premier League games before that. pic.twitter.com/wNFRG8NmZu
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 14, 2021
Luke Shaw has quite simply been sensational.
The Englishman has finally begun to hit the heights United initially expected he would when they coughed up £27 million for him as a teenager back in 2014.
His killer goal in the Manchester derby was a culmination of all the good form Shaw has displayed this season. His powerful running, excellent carrying ability, and improved creativity have all proved to be borderline irreplaceable assets for Solskjær’s men this season.
Most chances created by defenders in the Premier League this season:
52 — Luke Shaw
51 —
50 —
49 —
48 —
47 —
46 —
45 — Andy Robertson
44 — Trent Alexander-Arnold
43 —
42 —
41 — Aaron Creswell
40 — João CanceloMan Utd’s in-form LB leads the way. 💥 pic.twitter.com/3PUFCxW8tB
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 15, 2021
The United man has been arguably the best full-back in the Premier League this season, a far cry from his injury-stricken, confidence-lacking performances from previous campaigns.
Shaw himself credits Alex Telles’ presence in the United ranks for his good form. Speaking to MUTV, the Englishman said: “I feel really good, credit to Ole for that, for believing in me and pushing me.
“Alex as well, we have a great relationship, he pushes me each day in training and we get on really well.
“It’s nice to have that competition, we push each other to get the best out of ourselves. It’s a positive way for both of us to look at it.”
Luke Shaw and Alex Telles are amongst the best crossers out of full-backs in the Premier League this season #mulive [@FIVE__YARDS] pic.twitter.com/vsMDOuhbfD
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 18, 2021
The signing of Alex Telles has proved to be a brilliant investment for Manchester United, they’ve signed two left-backs for the price of one, and with the form Shaw is in, the Brazilian just might be United’s signing of the season.