Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, subject to registration, on a deal running until June 2031. The Belgian midfielder joins ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, adding proven top-flight experience to manager Michael Carrick's squad.

The Shirt and Its Significance

Tielemans will don the iconic No. 18 shirt at Old Trafford — a number long synonymous with Reds legend Paul Scholes, who wore it from the 1996/97 season until his initial retirement in 2010/11. The choice of jersey signals the weight of expectation the club is placing on its new recruit.

Tielemans in His Own Words

'It's hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United. Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football,' Tielemans said in a statement issued by the club.

'I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years,' he added.

What Tielemans Brings to United

The 90-cap Belgium international arrives in strong form. Last season at Aston Villa, he registered seven assists and played a key role in the club's UEFA Europa League triumph, scoring the opening goal in the final against SC Freiburg. Among attackers and midfielders in the Premier League, Tielemans broke the most defensive lines per 100 passes and recorded the second-most line-breaking passes under pressure — metrics that underline his ability to unlock defences in tight situations.

He has also just returned from the FIFA World Cup, where he captained Belgium to the quarter-finals of the competition.

United's Midfield Rebuild Continues

Tielemans is not the only midfield addition this summer. United earlier confirmed the signing of Andrey Santos on a contract until June 2031, with an option to extend for a further year. The 22-year-old Brazilian, who has captained his country at Under-23 level, won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Santos represented Chelsea 43 times last season, posting the highest pass-completion rate and the most progressive passes per 90 minutes among Premier League midfielders under the age of 22. He had previously spent a season on loan at Strasbourg, captaining the side on multiple occasions and contributing 11 goals and five assists.

Together, the two signings suggest United are building a midfield capable of both controlling possession and breaking lines — a clear statement of intent as the club targets a return to competing for major honours.