Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans has defended Marcus Rashford amid ongoing speculation over the forward's future, praising his commitment and urging the club to support him.
Tielemans played alongside Rashford during the Belgian's loan spell at Aston Villa in the second half of the 2024/25 season. Rashford, 28, returned to United the following summer but spent last season on loan with Barcelona. The Catalan giants opted not to trigger a permanent deal, and Rashford has again returned to Old Trafford ahead of the new season.
Tielemans praises Rashford's commitment
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Tielemans said: "He's got amazing qualities. And I mean, his touch, his acceleration, his finishing, you know, his qualities on the ball. But then I think what surprised me most with him was his commitment."
"You know, there was such a big thing made out of him that he wasn't committed or wasn't in it for the right reasons or whatever. And you see the player coming in and it's completely opposite from what you hear. He was committed. He was doing the work. He was positive with everyone. You know, he was just a normal guy, you know."
"Then he brings his qualities to the team and he just plays. And you can see in that PSG double leg how good he was and how he added at the time to the team. And yeah, we nearly got over the line against PSG and then won it. So, yeah, we were very happy with him."
Rashford needs support
"I think he needs us. That's it. I think he just needs support behind him. And he would always create something. So it's something that, as a player, you want in your team. You want that type of player in your team that can create at any moment."
"He can dribble past one, two, three players and then lay off for someone that can score. So to have him fit and ready to go with us would be great."
Rashford could make an appearance for United against AC Milan after returning from his loan spell. He spent the summer representing England at the World Cup, and it appears he will be welcomed back into the first-team picture by manager Michael Carrick.
Tielemans on Mainoo
Tielemans also praised fellow midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo, 21, was part of England's World Cup squad but was the only outfield player not to make an appearance under Thomas Tuchel in North America.
Mainoo established himself as a pivotal component of Carrick's side after returning from the periphery following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. He now faces another defining season as he looks to nail down a regular starting berth, with the arrivals of Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Chelsea adding competition.
The midfielder came close to departing Old Trafford 12 months ago as he sought to reignite his career elsewhere and replicate the success Scott McTominay has enjoyed since leaving United. Yet when called upon by Carrick, he seized his chance emphatically, earning a place on the plane with Tuchel's Three Lions.
Tielemans said of Mainoo: "From playing against him, I think he's got great strength on the ball. He can hold the ball forever."
"His technical qualities, he can receive the ball, turn. I think maybe an area from what I've seen that he can improve is making the right choice, the right weight of pass, you know, to play forward."
"And like I said, that's that process. You know, he's still so young. He will learn so much throughout his career. And I hope I can help him to learn all of those things. But yeah, if he can add that, then the sky's the limit, you know."
