Telles: I'll be better next season

Thursday 03 June 2021 07:00

Manchester United full-back Alex Telles is pleased with how he performed during his first season with the club, but is already looking forward to a ‘better’ 2021/22.

The 28-year-old signed for the Reds from Porto in October and made 24 appearances in all competitions, as fellow left-back Luke Shaw emerged as one of our most impressive performers domestically.

Luke’s stellar form, which saw him win consecutive Player of the Month prizes and earn a recall to the England side, restricted Telles to nine games in the league, although the Brazilian turned out 11 times in European competition.

Telles acknowledges that, although it took a while to adjust to the demands of English football, he’s already expanded his game during his time with United and expects to improve further after the summer break.

Alex Telles’s three assists in 2020/21 Video

Alex Telles’s three assists in 2020/21

Telles laid on goals for Greenwood, McTominay and Maguire during his first season with the Reds…

“Yes, I believe I've made the most of this season,” he told club media. “I've learnt a great deal, I learnt a lot of things, I've developed as a player and a person as well.

“I'm really happy with my first season at United and I'm sure that next season will be even better.

“I think I always took the opportunity to do my best whenever I was on the pitch. I had good games, with the adaptation process the first season isn't easy, but I believe that when Ole gave me the opportunity and placed his trust in me and put me on the pitch, I did my best.

“I'm sure that I'll continue doing even better to spend more time on the pitch and get a lot more minutes.”

Telles’s first month with the Reds was interrupted by illness, as he tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after his move.

Reds fans were afforded an early glimpse of what he could offer though, as he excelled as a left wing-back – with Shaw tucked inside as part of a back three – during October’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Alex has selected that as the highlight of his maiden campaign, alongside one of the three assists he recorded.

Telles shocks fans with unexpected talent

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The Brazilian full-back confirms he has an interesting hobby away from football, during a fans' Q&A with Fred.

“I think my best moment this season was definitely my debut against Paris in France,” Alex continued. “We won 2-1 in my first game.

“Another important game for me was against West Ham in London where I got my first assist for Mason. They were the two important moments for me this season.”

Telles became known in Portugal as something of a prolific defender, scoring 13 times in 49 games in his final season with Porto, and he’s eager to get off the mark for United soon, too.

“I really want to score my first goal, I can't wait.

“I scored a lot of goals previously at Porto and now I'm really looking forward to playing and scoring my first goal.”

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