With his Manchester United debut on the horizon, Youri Tielemans has come to the defense of Marcus Rashford, offering a firsthand account of the winger's character during their spell together at Aston Villa. The summer recruit has pushed back against criticism of the England international's dedication to the Red Devils as Rashford seeks to revive his United career.
The Belgian midfielder also heaped praise on midfield partner Kobbie Mainoo, who endured a frustrating summer after being overlooked throughout England's FIFA World Cup campaign, failing to register a single appearance in North America as Thomas Tuchel's side claimed bronze in the third-place play-off.
Tielemans, who became one of Michael Carrick's earliest acquisitions after his £35 million ($46.8 million) Villa release clause was activated, gained direct insight into Rashford during their time together at Villa. The 28-year-old shared a dressing room with the Belgium captain when Rashford spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Villa Park, as per The Mirror.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he 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.
"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."
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Rashford's future appeared destined to lie elsewhere after being frozen out by Amorim, leading to loan spells at Villa and Barcelona. The Spanish giants chose not to activate the purchase option in his contract, and consequently, he has been welcomed back into Carrick's squad.
Mainoo has become a vital part of Carrick's lineup since being recalled from the periphery following Ruben Amorim's sacking. The 21-year-old faces another pivotal season as he aims to solidify his position in the starting eleven with the additions of Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
The midfielder came within touching distance of departing the Red Devils 12 months earlier as he sought to revitalize his career beyond Old Trafford and replicate the kind of success Scott McTominay has found away from the United spotlight.
Yet when his opportunity arrived in Carrick's team, he seized it emphatically, securing his spot in Tuchel's Three Lions squad.
Tielemans has praised his new colleague and expects Mainoo to continue his upward trajectory. He said: "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."
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
