Vardy backs Tielemans to help Man United challenge for EPL title

Former Premier League Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy believes Youri Tielemans can help Manchester United compete for the English top-flight title after completing his move to Old Trafford.

The Belgium midfielder joined United from Aston Villa after the club triggered a £35 million release clause in his contract. He has signed a five-year deal that runs until the summer of 2031 and is expected to become the central midfielder in Michael Carrick’s plans.

Vardy knows Tielemans from their time together at Leicester City, where the pair shared a dressing room for four and a half years. The former striker also faced the Belgian internationally before their club partnership began, and said the midfielder had already stood out when he was still a young player.

Tielemans initially arrived at Leicester on loan from Monaco in January 2019. The transfer became permanent later that year, and he played a major role in the club’s 2020/21 FA Cup success. His decisive contribution came in the final, when he scored the winning goal against Chelsea from long range at Wembley.

Vardy’s support follows another productive spell in Tielemans’ career. After leaving Leicester in the summer of 2023, the midfielder spent three seasons at Aston Villa. During that period, Villa secured a top-four Premier League finish and won the UEFA Europa League under Unai Emery.

United have brought Tielemans in as they seek to return to domestic prominence. Vardy’s view is that the transfer can give the 29-year-old the platform to reach another level, with the midfielder now facing the demands of becoming a key part of Carrick’s side and contributing to the club’s title ambitions.