Manchester United are set to break their own strict transfer rule by signing 29-year-old Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million. Since Ineos acquired a minority stake in the club in 2024, United have adhered to a policy of not signing players over the age of 26, but this deal marks a significant departure from that strategy.
Deal Advances Despite Injury Concerns
After pulling out of a move for Atalanta's Ederson due to concerns over a knee injury sustained last season, United quickly pivoted to Tielemans. The Belgium captain has now arranged a medical at Old Trafford. Tielemans has faced injury problems in recent seasons, including a hamstring injury that ended his World Cup campaign prematurely, but there is optimism that the medical will not derail the transfer.
According to The Sun, the under-25 signing policy was implemented by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in May 2024. The Tielemans deal, however, is not the only exception: 35-year-old Karl Darlow is also set to join as a free agent after Andre Onana's loan move to Trabzonspor.
Midfield Rebuild Continues
Following the departure of Casemiro and an injury to Manuel Ugarte, United are expected to bring in a third midfield signing ahead of their return to the Champions League. Potential targets include Bournemouth's Alex Scott and AS Roma's Manu Kone, who has impressed for France at the World Cup in the absence of Aurelien Tchouameni. Tchouameni, previously linked with United, is set to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.
Scott would align with the club's original transfer strategy, but United appear to have loosened their stance on age restrictions.
Marcus Rashford's Future
Up front, Marcus Rashford's future is becoming clearer after Barcelona agreed a deal for Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, alongside the signing of Anthony Gordon. A permanent move for the 28-year-old Rashford remains possible, but re-integration into Michael Carrick's squad and participation in pre-season is also being considered.
