Youri Tielemans made his Manchester United debut on Saturday afternoon in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, and fans have revealed exactly what they made of their new signing's display.
The Red Devils were held by the reigning European champions, with Bryan Mbeumo's strike cancelling out an early goal from Ibrahim Mbaye. United's team consisted of a mismatch of first-team players and academy prospects, as Michael Carrick's men stepped up their preparations for the new season.
The likes of Mbeumo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo all started, while Leny Yoro, Bruno Fernandes and Tielemans featured off the bench.
The performances were mixed across the board, but Tielemans, who signed from Aston Villa for £35 million earlier this month, impressed in a red and black shirt.
youri tielemans
youri tielemans
After playing a key role in Villa's Champions League-qualifying and Europa League-winning campaign last season, United opted to activate Tielemans' £35 million release clause this summer. The Belgian completed his switch to Old Trafford last month, but missed the north-west outfit's first three pre-season friendlies after being granted an additional rest following his participation at the World Cup.
United supporters got a taste of what their new midfield maestro can bring to the party when the Red Devils took on PSG on Saturday afternoon in Sweden. Introduced as a substitute in the 64th minute, Tielemans enjoyed an eye-catching cameo alongside Tyler Fletcher and Bruno Fernandes in United's midfield.
Sat next to 19-year-old Fletcher, the former Leicester City man bossed proceedings at the base of Carrick's side's double pivot. He successfully orchestrated United's build-up from deep, while also sweeping up defensively on multiple occasions.
Youri Tielemans' Stats vs PSG
Minutes Played
Touches
Accurate Passes
Chances Created
Passes into the Final Third
Tackles
Recoveries
Dispossessed
Completing all 21 of his attempted passes and being dispossessed not once, this was an outstanding display of his ability to retain possession under pressure. His five ball recoveries will also have delighted United fans who may have been sceptical of his defensive work.
Carrick will be delighted with what his new midfielder had to offer, with the Belgium international arguably boasting the blend of attributes on the ball that United have been crying out for for years.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on
Man Utd Fans React to Youri Tielemans' Debut
United fans are notoriously critical of their own players, but have shown surprising leniency to recent recruits. Red Devils followers produced glowing reviews of Andrey Santos' debut last month, and they were similarly optimistic about what they saw from Tielemans against PSG.
Taking to social media, many United supporters waxed lyrical about their new number 18's showing.
One fan wrote on X, based on what he saw on Saturday: "Youri Tielemans, £35m. This is the bargain of the century. An elite signing. He will cook with Bruno in that midfield like mad."
Another added: "Youri Tielemans is cold. But I didn't need to tell anyone that."
Meanwhile, one supporter wrote, along similar lines: "Youri Tielemans is so solid. He will cook."
Another fan thanked Villa for putting such a minimal release clause into the player's contract at Villa Park: "Whoever put a £35m release clause on Youri Tielemans, God bless you."
One fan wrote: "Youri Tielemans was class today. We should’ve signed this guy 6 years ago, but better late than never. Quality midfielder, proper footballer. We’ll take him now!"
Finally, one supporter chose to highlight both Tielemans and Santos' displays, posting screenshots of the two players' stats from the encounter in Gothenburg: "Our new signings are cooking. Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos."
The two new signings are yet to play together in the middle of the park for United, but this double pivot could be in action as early as this Wednesday. Carrick's outfit take on Leeds in an all-Premier League affair in Dublin in three days' time.
All Statistics via FotMob - correct as of 18/07/2026.