Tielemans hits back at Rashford claims and speaks mind on Mainoo

Manchester United star Youri Tielemans has defended Marcus Rashford and lifted the lid on what he saw of the winger during their time at Aston Villa together. The summer signing has hit back at criticism of the England international's commitment to the Red Devils as he looks to get his United career back on track.

The midfielder also lavished praise on midfield partner Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo endured a frustrating summer after being left in the cold throughout England's World Cup exploits, failing to make an appearance in North America as Thomas Tuchel's side took bronze in the third-place play-off.

Tielemans, who became one of Michael Carrick's first signings after his £35million Villa release clause was triggered, witnessed working alongside Rashford first-hand from their time together at Villa. The 28-year-old shared a dressing room with the Belgium captain when he spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Villa Park.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: "He's got amazing qualities. And I mean, his touch, his acceleration, his finishing, you know, his qualities on the ball. But then I think what surprised me most with him was his commitment.

"You know, there was such a big thing made out of him that he wasn't committed or wasn't in it for the right reasons or whatever. And you see the player coming in and it's completely opposite from what you hear. He was committed. He was doing the work. He was positive with everyone. You know, he was just a normal guy, you know.

"Then he brings his qualities to the team and he just plays. And you can see in that PSG double leg how good he was and how he added at the time to the team. And yeah, we nearly got over the line against PSG and then won it. So, yeah, we were very happy with him.

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"I think he needs us. That's it. I think he just needs support behind him. And he would always create something. So it’s something that, as a player, you want in your team. You want that type of player in your team that can create at any moment.

"He can dribble past one, two, three players and then lay off for someone that can score. So to have him fit and ready to go with us would be great."

Rashford's future looked set to be away from Old Trafford after being cast aside by Amorim, which resulted in loan moves to Villa and Barcelona. The Spanish giants opted against triggering the clause in his contract to make the temporary move permanent and as a result, he has reintegrated with Carrick's side.

Mainoo emerged as a key component of Carrick's side after returning from the wings following Ruben Amorim's sacking. The 21-year-old faces another crucial campaign as he looks to cement his place as a first-team with the arrival of Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

The midfielder come close to leaving the Red Devils 12 months ago as he looked to kickstart his career away from Old Trafford and enjoy similar success to Scott McTominay away from the United glare.

However when he was called upon in Carrick's side, he grasped the opportunity with both hands, earning a place on the plane with Tuchel's Three Lions.

Tielemans has talked up his new teammate and believes Mainoo will continue going from strength to strength. He said: "From playing against him, I think he's got great strength on the ball. He can hold the ball forever.

"His technical qualities, he can receive the ball, turn. I think maybe an area from what I've seen that he can improve is making the right choice, the right weight of pass, you know, to play forward.

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