Youri Tielemans has revealed that Manchester United attempted to sign him on previous occasions before he eventually joined the club, according to global.espn.com. The Belgian midfielder’s comments come after his move to Old Trafford, where he has already begun discussing his early days with the club.
Tielemans has also addressed his adjustment to life at United, telling The Guardian that settling in has felt natural, describing it as “just smelling football.” He has reportedly taken on a key role in the team following the departure of Casemiro, with The Times noting his influence in that transition.
The move has not been without controversy. BBC reports that Tielemans apologised to Aston Villa supporters after he suggested Manchester United is a bigger club than his former side. The apology followed backlash from fans of the Midlands club, where he played before making the switch.
Manchester United’s official website has also detailed how Jonny Evans influenced the decision to bring Tielemans in, suggesting the veteran defender played a part in the transfer. The exact nature of Evans’ involvement was not specified in the available reporting.
Tielemans’ comments about United’s earlier interest add context to a transfer that has already generated significant discussion. His quick adaptation and new responsibilities in midfield will be closely watched as the season progresses.
What to watch next: how Tielemans continues to settle into his post-Casemiro role and whether his on-pitch performances match his early confidence at Old Trafford.
