Tielemans says Man Utd 'above Villa' as he sets out targets

Youri Tielemans tells why he joined Manchester United "as they are above Aston Villa" while setting out his targets.

It is not the first time that United have targeted the Belgian midfielder and they have now finally got their man.

They looked seriously at him in 2019, after Tielemans had impressed in an initial loan spell at Leicester.

And again in 2022, when they were holding out for Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona in a move that never happened.

But now the 29-year-old has arrived with United triggering a £35m release clause to snap Tielemans up on a five-year deal from Villa.

"There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything," he recalled.

"I was very calm. I was not expecting much this summer, to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup and trying to perform my best for my country.

"But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause.

"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.

"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."

Tielemans has already made his debut for United in the preseason clash with Paris Saint Germain where he showed some nice touches.

United have been searching for greater control in midfield, and Tielemans brings something different to the options already available.

He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, capable of switching play with his passing and has a proven ability to contribute goals from midfield.

His experience could also be particularly important with United returning to the Champions League.

Andrey Santos has impressed during pre-season and appears to have already developed an understanding with Mason Mount, while Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat of the team.

Tielemans could be an excellent link-up player but he will have to work hard with plenty of competition.