Youri Tielemans targets ‘biggest trophies’ after joining Manchester United

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Youri Tielemans for about £35m on a five-year deal, with the midfielder stating he wants to help “push for the biggest trophies”.

The 29-year-old will join from Aston Villa and follows United’s recruitment of another midfielder, Andrey Santos, who is 22, from Chelsea for £48m plus a possible £2m in add-ons on Monday.

Tielemans said: “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.

“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.”

Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: “Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United.

“Youri’s consistency is exceptional and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours.”

Tielemans has 90 Belgium caps and led his nation at the World Cup, where they lost 2-1 to Spain in Friday’s quarter-final. He joined Leicester from Monaco in 2019 before moving to Villa on a free four years later.

Tielemans scored Villa’s opening goal in May’s 3-0 Europa League final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul. Last season he contributed seven assists for Villa, broke the most defensive lines per 100 passes in the Premier League of any midfielder or attacker, and made second-highest line breaking passes under pressure.

He represents a considerable loss to Villa, particularly after the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained by his compatriot Amadou Onana at the World Cup. Villa have announced their front-of-shirt sponsor will be Visit Rwanda, which previously sponsored Arsenal. The deal with Arsenal came under scrutiny because of Rwanda’s support for the M23 ­militia in conflicts taking place in the eastern part of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

United have also signed the 35-year-old goalkeeper Karl Darlow to provide competition for Senne Lammens, the No 1. Darlow was a free agent after leaving Leeds in June.