Youri Tielemans believes Manchester United is “the perfect club” for him at this stage of his career.
The 29-year-old completed a reported £35m move to Old Trafford from Aston Villa earlier this week, as United look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Tielemans made 134 appearances for Villa in all competitions, netting 10 goals while also registering 24 assists in that time.
He scored in the Europa League final last term as Unai Emery’s side defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the showpiece match, ending Villa’s 44-year wait for a major European trophy.
Among Villa players in the top flight in 2025-26, only Matty Cash (66) attempted more tackles than Tielemans (58), though the Belgian won the most in the team (36).
Tielemans is now set to play a key role for United, who have also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea as they reshape their midfield ahead of their Champions League return.
“I think it’s a great step up for myself. The club is in a great place, and I feel like there is a lot of ambition inside the club,” Tielemans told the club website.
“Inside the team, there’s a lot of quality and I feel like this is a good step for me to push on and hopefully win many, many titles with the club.
“This is the perfect club for me.”
Watch Youri’s first interview now!
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 16, 2026
“I’m very happy and very excited to start, and to meet my team-mates and be on the pitch together.
“I have a lot of experience. I’m 29 years old and I’m ready to push on and make the next step in my career. That’s why this is the perfect club for me.
“They want to win and, hopefully, be really good on the pitch, so that’s why I chose to come here.”
Tielemans could make his competitive debut for United on August 22, when they start their 2026-27 Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City.
