What Youri Tielemans has said on his hamstring injury

Manchester United’s next signing looks set to arrive at Old Trafford, but there is one concern supporters will be hoping proves insignificant.

The Red Devils have already wrapped up a deal for Andrey Santos, while Youri Tielemans is expected to follow as Michael Carrick continues reshaping his midfield options.

With both clubs having reached an agreement and only the final formalities remaining, attention has briefly shifted away from the transfer itself.

Instead, the focus is now on the Belgian’s fitness.

Incoming midfielder Youri Tielemans has explained why he was forced to withdraw from Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain before kick-off.

The 29-year-old was initially named in Belgium’s starting line-up but pulled out during the warm-up after feeling discomfort, with the midfielder deciding not to risk making the problem worse.

Belgium were ultimately knocked out of the tournament without their captain on the pitch.

Youri Tielemans speaks on his injury

Speaking after the defeat, Youri Tielemans admitted he had little choice but to listen to his body.

“When the body says stop, you can’t push it,” he told RTBF.

“We are professional athletes, we try to give our all. We saw that many players were tired and exhausted. It didn’t work out for us in this match, but we gave everything. Hats off to everyone.”

The full extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed, although Tielemans is expected to undergo further medical assessments in the coming days.

Manchester United will naturally monitor the situation closely.

The Belgian is expected to become the club’s latest signing after United agreed a deal worth around £35 million, with only the final steps of the transfer process remaining before an official announcement.

Tielemans is set to become United’s second midfield addition of the summer following the expected arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, as Carrick continues rebuilding the centre of his squad.

The experienced midfielder arrives after another impressive campaign with Aston Villa.

He also enjoyed a strong World Cup with Belgium, captaining his country to the quarter-finals before injury cruelly denied him the chance to face Spain.