Former England manager Sam Allardyce has showered praise on Manchester United for what he sees as a smart piece of business in signing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The experienced coach feels the seasoned midfielder represents an absolute bargain for Michael Carrick's side, even after their disappointing start to the new Premier League season.

Allardyce hails clever United move

Allardyce has commended United for bringing in Tielemans, describing the £35 million deal as an "absolute bargain." The former England manager believes the Belgium international adds crucial Premier League know-how to Carrick's squad.

Tielemans is one of four summer signings at Old Trafford, arriving alongside £50m midfielder Andrey Santos, free-agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow and £70m Carlos Baleba. But it is the capture of the former Aston Villa playmaker that has most impressed Allardyce.

A major coup for the Red Devils

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast with Kevin Nolan and Natalie Pike, Allardyce gave the transfer an impressive nine-out-of-ten score. He stressed that the midfielder's vast experience at the highest level is a huge plus for the club.

"Oh, absolute bargain, a steal," Allardyce said. "Experience coming out of his ears, both internationally and in the Premier League, at Leicester, Aston Villa, only £30m I think.

"He's definitely a nine based on the whole package of experience of what he's got. If anything, he lacks a bit of pace but his brain, his intelligence, his quality on the ball."

Aston Villa cash in on Leicester mistake

Allardyce also highlighted the excellent business done by Aston Villa, who made a £35m profit after signing the 29-year-old on a free transfer from Leicester City.

"You've got to remember, this is £35m profit because he's on a free," he added. Showing his amazement at how Leicester dealt with the player originally, Allardyce said: "How could Leicester have let him go on a free? Just let him run out of contract, let him go on a free. I mean, it's just like unbelievable."

Tielemans settles into Carrick's plans

The Belgium midfielder is now aiming to establish himself fully as an important part of Carrick's system. Tielemans played regularly during United's pre-season programme to improve his match sharpness alongside his new team-mates.

He was given an immediate start in the club's first Premier League match of the season, featuring for 67 minutes against newly promoted Hull City. However, it ended badly for United, who suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat.

Tielemans and his team-mates are now looking to respond quickly and claim their first competitive victory of the campaign when they welcome Ipswich Town in the Premier League this weekend.