Manchester United are on the verge of signing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with manager Michael Carrick identifying the Belgian international as the man to replace Casemiro in the Red Devils' midfield, according to reliable transfer journalist David Ornstein.

United are set to trigger Tielemans' £35 million release clause, making the transfer a formality. The 29-year-old is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford as Manchester United prepare to compete in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in two seasons.

Filling the Casemiro void

Casemiro's departure after the expiry of his contract has left a significant gap in United's engine room. The veteran Brazilian made 35 appearances last season, contributing crucial goals as the club secured their return to European football's top table.

With a more demanding schedule now ahead of them, Carrick has placed strengthening the midfield at the top of his summer agenda — and Tielemans represents his first major answer to that challenge.

Tielemans' standout season at Aston Villa

Tielemans arrives having played a central role for Aston Villa in an impressive campaign. He captained Belgium at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and, despite some injury disruptions, made his mark in the UEFA Europa League final — scoring Villa's opening goal with a composed volley from a well-worked set-piece in their 3-0 victory.

Aston Villa finished fourth in the league last season — one place behind Manchester United — and claimed the UEFA Europa League title, underlining the quality of the squad Tielemans is departing.

Santos deal also confirmed

Tielemans will not be United's only summer arrival. A deal for Chelsea's Andrey Santos was agreed last week, with the Brazilian set to join Carrick's squad in the north west of England ahead of the new campaign.

Transfermarkt currently value Tielemans at €30 million. If the deal is completed as expected, he is likely to link up with his new teammates in the latter stages of pre-season, with Manchester United scheduled to face Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain during August.