GistReel
Youri Tielemans has admitted that Manchester United’s stature made the club impossible to turn down after the midfielder completed his move from Aston Villa.
The Belgium international joined United this summer after the club activated his £35 million release clause and handed him a five-year contract.
Tielemans had previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford in 2019 and 2022, but neither opportunity resulted in a transfer.
This time, United made their interest concrete while the midfielder was on international duty.
Tielemans grateful to Aston Villa
The 29-year-old acknowledged Villa’s role in reviving his career but believes moving to United represents a significant step forward.
“There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything,” Tielemans said.
“I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world. It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level. But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
Tielemans joined Villa after leaving Leicester and became an important figure in the club’s midfield. His performances eventually attracted United’s attention again.
The midfielder now wants to use the opportunity to compete for trophies at Old Trafford rather than simply view the transfer as the culmination of his career.
“It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career. But it does not end there. I want to be successful,” he added.
Tielemans targets midfield partnership
Tielemans has already begun developing an understanding with United captain Bruno Fernandes, with the pair sharing the pitch for 26 minutes during the pre-season draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Belgian believes their partnership can develop naturally.
“It’s really natural,” he said. “He is a guy that can find space easily. I just try and find him so that he can move forward.”
Tielemans is also expected to play a key role in Michael Carrick’s possession-based approach. The United coach has told him to operate with freedom while helping organise the team and maintain the structure of the side.
“He wants me to be free on the pitch, to try and organise the team the best I can,” Tielemans said. “He wants to have the ball and wants to press in certain ways.”
The midfielder brings considerable experience to United, having made his professional debut for Anderlecht at 16 and accumulated 668 appearances for club and country.