Ever since Manchester United completed the signing of Youri Tielemans this week, one of the biggest questions raised by fans is why the club didn’t sign the Belgian midfielder when he was available for free just three years ago.
Youri Tielemans has completed his £35m switch to Manchester United from Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old has been on United’s radar since he broke through as a promising prospect at Anderlecht, and there were also numerous opportunities for the Reds to sign him in the past, but they’ve waited until the summer of 2026 to sign him.
We have already outlined why United and Tielemans are better off with a deal in 2026 than 2023, but those three years have also told us something about the progress – or lack of – from another player who did actually move to Old Trafford that summer.
FACT: Youri Tielemans is the best value signing any Premier League club will make all summer!
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Youri Tielemans progress vs Mason Mount
Having established himself in the Premier League at Leicester City, Tielemans joined Aston Villa on a free transfer in 2023. The Foxes suffered relegation to the Championship in the Belgian’s final season, which ultimately cost him an earlier move to United.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has explained why United passed on signing Tielemans on a Bosman three years ago. Speaking on the latest Talk Of The Devils podcast, he said the Reds had reservations that he wasn’t of the required standard after Leicester City suffered relegation to the Championship.
“He did get relegated with Leicester and then ultimately goes to Aston Villa and again United were in the mix or at least presented with the opportunity to sign him in 2022 or 2023 when he went on a free,” Whitwell said.
“Didn’t go for it. I think there was some you know reservations maybe should we say that he wasn’t the right level for United. So, it’s interesting now that he’s coming for 35 million pounds towards the end of his career.
“Although, I think he’s probably added to what he’s what he did at Leicester with Villa, you know, Champions League, international performances of real outstanding pedigree in the league consistently where Villa have been up there.”
United decided to sign one midfielder in the summer of 2023, with Mason Mount costing £55m from Chelsea, despite having just one year left on his contract.
Three years on and Tielemans looks set to earn a starting role in United’s midfield, while Mount battles to stay fit as a bit-part option.
Tielemans will be remembered fondly at Villa Park for the success he helped bring to the club. On the other hand, Mount has struggled with injuries and consistency to a point you would struggle to name a handful of standout performances from the England international.
Finally, Tielemans became the captain of the Belgium national team, whereas Mount lost his place in the England squad.
It is important to note that Ineos and the current recruitment team were not in place in 2023. The likes of Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are working to change not only how the club operates but how it is perceived in the football world.
Perhaps another sign that the previous suits at United did an awful job. Well, it will be if Tielemans turns out to be a successful signing.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Manchester United passed on the opportunity to sign Youri Tielemans on a free three years ago
- Tielemans joined United in a £35m deal this week
- United had reservations after Tielemans featured heavily in a Leicester City side that suffered relegation
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What did Youri Tielemans achieve in the past three years?
Since his free transfer to Villa in 2023, Tielemans has won the Europa League and scored a stunning goal in a 3-0 final win over Freiburg.
Also, in his first season at Villa Park, Tielemans helped Villa reach the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
Domestically, the Belgian has helped Unai Emery’s side in the Premier League, including a fourth-place finish in 2025/26.
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