Tielemans, 29, is set to become Michael Carrick’s second of three midfield additions this summer. Other players are expected to follow suit as United look to fill Casemiro’s shoes, while Manuel Ugarte is set to be sidelined for an extended period following an injury sustained at the World Cup.
This is in addition to this season’s expanded fixture list as United return to the Champions League. Last season, he played in just two domestic cup matches, losing both. Under Carrick, they expect to make further progress in all competitions and a bigger squad is needed.
Tielemans is expected to complete the move quickly, the player has agreed to the move and Villa are powerless to prevent it due to a release clause.
But not everything can be exactly as you want it to be when you arrive.
Tielemans is unlikely to receive the number 8 shirt he has worn throughout his time at Villa. He wore the same number during his time at Leicester and wore number 8 for Belgium at the World Cup.
However, captain Fernandes also wears the same kit at Old Trafford. And despite playing as his natural number 10 under Carrick, he is unlikely to admit it.
That leaves Tielemans looking for alternatives.
When he first moved to England with Leicester, he wore No. 21 for one season until the No. 8 shirt became vacant. This number can be used with United Airlines.
At Monaco, Tielemans wore numbers 15 and 17 before settling on number 8.
Yoro Lenny wore No. 15 last year, but his No. 17 was quickly usurped by rookie Santos.
Tielemans wore the number 31 shirt throughout his time at his boyhood club Anderlecht. But last year, Senne Lamence got that number.
If current holder Altai Beindil is promoted and Tielemans’ No. 31 becomes vacant, Lamence could pick No. 1.
But regardless of the number on the back of the shirt, United fans will be happy to see the United badge on the front.
They beat out a number of clubs for the signing of an experienced midfielder who could offer similar value to Casemiro in his later years at M17.
