Youri Tielemans shirt number revealed

Earlier today, Manchester United officially confirmed the signing of Tielemans after activating the £35 million release clause in his Aston Villa contract, with the Belgium international signing a deal until June 2031.

The move represents another major step in Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild following the arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea earlier this week.

Now, another key detail surrounding Tielemans’ arrival has emerged.

According to Sam C, the 29-year-old will wear the No. 18 shirt at Old Trafford during the 2026/27 season.

The number became available following Casemiro’s departure earlier this summer, with Tielemans now set to inherit the shirt previously worn by the experienced Brazilian midfielder.

Manchester United are yet to officially confirm Tielemans’ squad number, but the latest update suggests the Belgian has already been assigned the iconic jersey ahead of the new campaign.

It marks another symbolic moment in United’s midfield transition.

Casemiro played an important role during his time at Old Trafford before leaving this summer, while Tielemans now arrives expected to become one of Carrick’s key players as the club returns to Champions League football.

The Belgian brings significant experience with him, having made more than 240 Premier League appearances across spells with Leicester City and Aston Villa, while also captaining Belgium during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals this summer.

Last season he helped Aston Villa lift the UEFA Europa League, scoring in the final against SC Freiburg, while also providing seven assists across the campaign.

United have admired Tielemans for several years and finally moved to secure his signature after deciding against completing a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

Supporters will now be hoping the midfielder can quickly establish himself at Old Trafford as preparations continue for the new season, with attention also turning towards Manchester United’s opening pre-season fixtures under Carrick.