Before completing a deal for Youri Tielemans this summer, Manchester United were sizing up a move for Leon Goretzka.
The German international had just bid farewell to Bayern Munich after eight years at the club, during which he won seven Bundesliga titles, a Champions League and a host of other major trophies.
Why United considered Goretzka
The Telegraph have revealed that United turned their attention to Goretzka when they ended their pursuit of Ederson, who travelled to Carrington to undergo his medical before returning to Atalanta, where he has since signed a new contract.
However, after learning that Tielemans had a £35 million release clause in his terms, INEOS prioritised his arrival.
Aston Villa were desperate to keep hold of the midfielder, but were ultimately powerless due to his buyout clause, while Tielemans himself was also keen on making the move to Old Trafford.
A serial winner arrives at B6… 🏆
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Leon Goretzka 🤩 pic.twitter.com/IW3xcTaPU9
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 27, 2026
United favoured Tielemans after being made aware of low-cost release clause
The 29-year-old was on the back of being crowned a Europa League champion, having scored a remarkable goal in the final to help Villa on their way to a 3-0 win over Freiburg.
This Youri Tielemans strike in the Europa League final 🚀😮💨 pic.twitter.com/kZ6NaXdThL
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 13, 2026
He went on to captain his native Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals earlier in the summer, and completed his switch to Manchester as soon as he landed back in England.
Michael Carrick has started Tielemans for the opening two fixtures of the term, so he will presumably keep his place for Sunday’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton.
Youri Tielemans' game by numbers vs. Ipswich:
88 touches
64/70 successful passes
20 line-breaking passes
15 passes into final third
7x possessions won
6/7 duels won
4/5 accurate long-balls
4 chances created
2/3 shots on target
1/1 successful take-onsHe created more chances and… pic.twitter.com/GeHnLZO8GM
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 30, 2026
John McGinn recently poured praise on his former teammate when chatting with the Stick to Football panel, saying: “[Tielemans is an] unbelievable professional. Work rate and quality.
“Just an all-around good guy, good teammate, but he’s got quality as well. He can find a pass. He can score a brilliant goal. I’m talking about the complete player here. He’s a top player, and he’s so determined to win.”
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