Youri Tielemans has described his move to Manchester United as a major achievement in his career, but the Belgium midfielder insists arriving at Old Trafford is only the beginning of his ambition.
The 29-year-old completed a £35 million move from Aston Villa this summer after Manchester United triggered a release clause in his contract and he signed a five-year deal with the club last month.
Tielemans revealed that United had previously explored the possibility of signing him on two occasions, first in 2019 after his impressive loan spell at Leicester City and again in 2022 when the club failed in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Neither attempt resulted in a transfer, leaving Tielemans surprised when United eventually returned for him this summer while he was representing Belgium at the World Cup.
“There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything,” Tielemans recalled, explaining that he had not expected a move this summer because his attention was firmly on performing for Belgium.
The midfielder was aware of the release clause in his Villa contract, however, and United eventually acted on it.
While grateful for his time at Villa, Tielemans believes the opportunity to join United represents another level in his career. “I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world,” he said, acknowledging the role the club played in helping him rediscover his best form before adding that “Manchester United is one of the best clubs” rated above Villa.
Tielemans Wants More Than a Big Move
For Tielemans, the significance of joining United is not lost on him. Having made his professional debut for Anderlecht at 16 and accumulated 668 appearances for club and country, he regards his arrival at Old Trafford as recognition of the work he has put into his career.
“It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career.”
Youri Tielemans
But the midfielder was quick to draw a line between reaching Manchester United and achieving success there. He stressed that his objective is now to contribute to the club’s ambitions rather than simply enjoy the prestige associated with his transfer.
His early involvement has already offered encouraging signs. Tielemans spent 26 minutes alongside captain Bruno Fernandes in the recent 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, and the pair appeared to develop an understanding in midfield.
Tielemans said the relationship feels natural, pointing to Fernandes’ ability to find space and explaining that his role is to locate the Portuguese midfielder so he can advance into dangerous areas.
Carrick Gives Tielemans Freedom
The Belgian’s arrival is expected to give head coach Michael Carrick another creative option in midfield, with Tielemans capable of progressing possession and finding passes capable of breaking defensive lines.
Tielemans said Carrick has asked him to operate with freedom while still respecting the team’s tactical structure. The manager wants United to control possession and apply pressure in specific ways, requirements the midfielder believes are straightforward despite differing from some of his previous experiences. “He wants me to be free on the pitch, to try and organise the team the best I can,” Tielemans explained.
His transition has also been eased by familiar faces. Former Leicester team-mate Jonny Evans has remained close to him and provided a positive reference to Carrick, while Harry Maguire and former Aston Villa colleague Marcus Rashford are also known to him.
Tielemans spoke warmly about Rashford’s spell at Villa, describing him as humble and hardworking despite the intense media attention surrounding his departure from United. He praised the forward’s touch and acceleration and hopes he can reproduce those qualities back at Old Trafford.
Tielemans also addressed concerns about his workload after he missed Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain because of an issue during the warm-up. He said his body had simply reached its limit after a demanding run of matches, but insisted he generally does not require special rest.
Now fit and beginning his United journey, Tielemans is focused on making his move count. The prestige of joining Manchester United may represent a milestone, but for the Belgian, the real achievement will be what follows.
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