Tielemans embraces United’s rebuild

Youri Tielemans believes Manchester United’s new footballing structure can help revive the club’s historic winning mentality after completing a £35 million move from Aston Villa.

United activated Tielemans’ release clause at Aston Villa, ending years of reported interest in the midfielder. The 29-year-old has signed a contract running until 2031 and arrives as a central part of a midfield rebuild following Casemiro’s departure and the arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

“When I was younger, when I used to watch the games in the Premier League, Man United was always on top,” Tielemans said. “There was always that mentality of winning games, and that is what we are trying to bring back.”

A flexible role in Michael Carrick’s system

Tielemans said he understands the principles being introduced by manager Michael Carrick: controlled possession, coordinated pressing and enough freedom in the final third for attacking players to make decisions.

“He has got his structure. He wants to have the ball, he wants to press in certain ways,” Tielemans said. “It might be different from what I have been used to before, but it is logical things. It is just smelling football.”

Comfortable as a No 10 or a box-to-box midfielder, Tielemans expects to connect United’s defence and attack. He intends to find Bruno Fernandes and the forwards early while helping preserve the team’s defensive shape.

“I play forward as much as I can,” he said. “Either to Bruno or the front line, to put them in positions that they can attack with freedom and that they can create and use their qualities.”

Experience to complement United’s younger midfielders

United’s pre-season performances have featured longer spells of possession, quick combinations and rapid counter-attacks. Andrey Santos has provided a deeper anchor, while Tielemans could offer an additional route through opponents who defend deep.

He is expected to compete for minutes with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, but views the midfield competition as an opportunity to blend experience and youth rather than as a mentoring hierarchy.

“I can add my experience, Bruno’s experience, but those two young players already have a lot of experience, and by mixing that, we can do good things,” he said.

Tielemans arrives after a successful spell at Villa, where he helped the club win the Europa League and returned to his best form. He also spent six months alongside Marcus Rashford and was impressed by the forward’s attitude and ability.

“He was very humble, hard-working, and from the first training session, you could tell by his touch; his acceleration was amazing,” Tielemans said. “Hopefully he can bring them here.”

Fit and ready for the season

Tielemans missed 21 matches for Villa during the 2025-26 campaign because of ankle and calf problems, and suffered an injury during Belgium’s World Cup run. He said the latest issue has been resolved and that he is fully fit for United’s Premier League opener at Hull City on August 22.

With United facing at least 48 matches in the 2026-27 season, Tielemans’ durability and versatility will be tested. He insists the scale of the challenge is exactly what he wants.

“Wherever I am, I want to win,” Tielemans said. “I have made it here, but it does not mean anything yet.”

Published: 2025-02-14 00:00:00