Scholes and Butt issue immediate verdict on Youri Tielemans signing

Open menu

OneFootball's home page

Settings

The Peoples Person

13 July 2026

Manchester United

legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have shared their reactions to the club’s imminent signing of

Youri Tielemans

On Monday, David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that

United were in advanced talks

to sign Tielemans from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Having missed out on the likes of Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, United turned their attention towards alternative targets such as

Andrey Santos

and Tielemans.

Santos’ arrival has been

confirmed by United

, while Tielemans is set to have his medical within the next 24 hours.

It’s understood that Villa were reluctant to let Tielemans leave but

they were powerless

after United triggered his release clause and the player expressed a desire to move to Old Trafford.

A technically skilled midfielder who is also strong defensively,

Tielemans

also boasts significant Premier League experience. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes and Butt agreed that the Belgium international represents shrewd business.

Butt said, “I think he’s a very, very good footballer me. If you look at the £35m for him, that’s a phenomenal signing.”

“Well done to the recruitment team because they’ve needed to get a rocket on and they have, haven’t they? I know it’s difficult with the tournament going on.”

Scholes quipped in and remarked, “Still need two [midfielders] in there.”

Butt continued, “We’re trying to build a squad and not just the starting 11. If you want to compete in all four competitions that we’re in this year, you have to build a squad and he is phenomenal.”

Scholes then further noted, “That’s why I’m saying they still might need more. I can’t see Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo playing together.”

“No. They still need someone in there and whether that’s the Santos kid…”

“But Tielemans brings great experience. Really good player and he knows the Premier League. He is a very, very good player.”

–

Monday, 13 July 2026

Meanwhile, United are next in action on Saturday when they face Wrexham in their first pre-season clash.

Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading

Man United

news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky:

@peoplesperson.bsky.social

Youri Tielemans ‘in advanced talks’ over £35m Manchester United transfer

OffsAIde

Manchester United ‘to sign’ Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for €41m

Youri Tielemans set for £35m Manchester United move, Villa close in on Manzambi with Digne interest

Youri Tielemans jets in for medical as Manchester United move quickly to seal second summer signing

Evening Standard

Manchester United Activate The Release Clause Of This Aston Villa Ace: Good Choice For Carrick?

The 4th Official

Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for

There are still some massive names who are set to become free agents in the summer, with some high-profile deals due to expire at the end of next month.As speculation...

Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement

Spurs midfielder denied a big moment on his return from injuryThe Premier League has explained why Tottenham were not awarded a penalty in their draw against Leeds.As the clock ticked...

Bento's howler delays CR7's first title in Saudi Arabia 😱

An ugly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento prevented Al-Nassr from winning the Saudi League title this Tuesday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was leading 1-0 until the 53rd minute of the second half,...