Youri Tielemans has come in support of Marcus Rashford and rejected accusations of him being not committed to Manchester United.
The new signing, who played with Marcus Rashford while he was on loan at Aston Villa, insists the Manchester United forward was the complete opposite of what he had heard during their time together at Aston Villa.
Rashford spent the season away from Old Trafford on loan, but his return to United has reopened the debate over his future. He is now back around the squad, with Michael Carrick making it clear that the door remains open.
Tielemans, who played alongside Rashford at Villa, has offered a very different view of the England international’s attitude.
Tielemans surprised by Rashford’s commitment
The Belgian midfielder joined United from Villa for £35 million this summer and is now looking forward to playing with Rashford again.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand Presents, Tielemans praised the forward’s qualities but said his attitude was what stood out most during their time together.
“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,” Tielemans said.
Rashford had previously been criticised over questions surrounding his commitment, particularly after falling out with Ruben Amorim. Tielemans, however, saw none of that during their spell together.
“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.”
The United midfielder went on to describe Marcus Rashford as a positive influence around the squad.
“He was committed. He was doing the work. He was positive with everyone. You know, he was just a normal guy, you know.”
Tielemans also pointed to Rashford’s performances against Paris Saint-Germain as evidence of what he can offer when he’s in good form.
Tielemans wants Marcus Rashford back with United
Tielemans believes Rashford doesn’t need a major change to rediscover his best football. Instead, he feels the forward needs support around him.
“I think he needs us. That’s it. I think he just needs support behind him. And he would always create something.”
The Belgian clearly sees Rashford as the type of player any team would benefit from having available.
“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.”
That will be encouraging for United supporters hoping Rashford can revive his career at Old Trafford.
United had hoped to make his loan move to Barcelona permanent for the agreed £26m option fee, but Barcelona instead signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
Rashford still has two years remaining on his £325,000-a-week contract, originally signed in 2023 after a 30-goal season.
