Tielemans closing in on £35m United move that could convince Rashford to stay

Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, with the 29-year-old understood to be clear about his desire to move to Old Trafford as talks progress rapidly. The move comes after a proposed £35 million deal for Ederson was scrapped, leaving United to pivot to Tielemans as their primary midfield target.

The timing carries an added dimension: Tielemans spent the second half of last season alongside Marcus Rashford during the winger’s loan spell at Villa, and was openly enthusiastic about his temporary teammate. Speaking shortly after Rashford’s arrival in Birmingham, Tielemans said: “Marcus is someone who can threaten everyone. He is very important for us in the way he plays because he gives us something different on the left-hand side. You could tell today every time he got the ball he was dangerous.”

Rashford’s own future at United remains unresolved. The 28-year-old was loaned to Barcelona last season following a falling-out with then-manager Ruben Amorim, who was subsequently sacked. Michael Carrick has since taken charge, guiding United to third in the Premier League and back into the Champions League, and is expected to open talks with Rashford about his long-term future at the club.

Rashford has indicated he wants clarity, but on his own terms. “I was very clear — I wanted any move done before the World Cup,” he said. “If it’s not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We’re fighting for something special.”

United have already confirmed their first summer signing, with Andrey Santos joining from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million. Tielemans appears set to follow, and the presence of a familiar face from his Villa loan could yet prove a factor in Rashford’s decision-making as Carrick looks to reshape the squad around a more settled core.