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Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans has officially joined Manchester United from Aston Villa, becoming the club’s third signing of the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old follows Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow in making the move to Old Trafford, as manager Michael Carrick continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

Tielemans joins United for a reported transfer fee of £35 million after the club activated a release clause in his Villa Park contract. The Belgium international has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2031.

At United, Tielemans will compete with Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Santos for a starting role in Carrick’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, particularly in the double-pivot midfield position.

The midfielder has been assigned the No.18 shirt, previously worn by several notable players in United’s history. The most recent holder was Casemiro, who departed at the end of his contract earlier this summer and is expected to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Prior to him, club captain Bruno Fernandes wore the number before switching to his favoured No.8, while both Ashley Young and Paul Scholes have also donned the No.18 shirt in the past.

Tielemans arrives at Old Trafford fresh from a successful campaign with Aston Villa, where he helped the team win the UEFA Europa League last season. Under manager Unai Emery, he featured in 34 matches across all competitions, scoring twice, including a goal in the 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the final.

In the previous season, the Belgian missed only two Premier League fixtures for Villa, contributing three goals and seven assists during a consistent run of performances.

Having previously represented Leicester City and Aston Villa in the Premier League, Tielemans brings a wealth of top-flight experience to Manchester United as he looks to make his mark at one of England’s most storied clubs.