Belgian national team midfielder Youri Tielemans spoke passionately about his expected reunion with Marcus Rashford at Manchester United in 2025. Rashford spent half the season alongside Tielemans at Aston Villa after joining on loan, and the Belgian now appears to be closing in on joining his former colleague at Old Trafford. United have already signed Andrei Santos and could use the 29-year-old as their second midfield addition. The interest in the Belgian, who is available for around £35 million, comes after the Red Devils’ attempts to sign Ederson appeared to have hit a wall.
Rashford played the second half of the 2024/25 season at Villa and went on to represent Unai Emery’s side in the Premier League and Champions League. However, he did not join the club permanently and moved to Barcelona on loan for the 2025-26 season. Tielemans made it clear early on that he was excited to be playing alongside Rashford. Now, the two may be teammates again.
“I’m very happy, especially with his performance now and his two assists today,” the former Leicester player said early on in his loan spell.
“Marcus is a player who can be a threat to everyone. He is very important for us in terms of play because he gives us something different on the left side.”
“Today you could see he was dangerous every time he got the ball and I think he will get better with more time.”
These comments highlight how highly Rashford was valued at Villa and could help Tielemans convince his future new team-mate to remain in Manchester. After a fruitful loan spell at Barcelona last season, the academy product faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford.
Rashford was initially loaned out due to a falling out with former manager Ruben Amorim. The former United manager claimed he dropped the winger because he could not accept his approach, insisting that his tactics were “the way football should be played”.
Less than 12 months after that decision, Amorim was sacked by United and Michael Carrick took over as manager. The 44-year-old has restored success and harmony to the club, helping United to third place in the Premier League table and qualification for the Champions League.
Carrick will sign a permanent contract in the summer and will discuss his future at the club with Rashford. Rashford has made his position clear that he will consider his options once he returns from England duty.
“I was very clear: I wanted any move to be completed before the World Cup,” the forward said. “If not, I wish I had waited until later. I want to be fully present in the moment.
“We are fighting for something special. There is no energy to devote to it (given the uncertainty for the club).”
Rashford could be persuaded to remain at United this summer following talks with Carrick and a potential transfer for Thielemann. Andrei Santos becomes the club’s first summer signing, with Chelsea signing a deal worth up to £50 million.
Tielemans may follow suit, and he may not be the only addition. Some supporters may now be hoping that further new signings, coupled with the enthusiastic support of former team-mates, could persuade Rashford to stay.
