Tielemans' 26-minute cameo against PSG hints at bigger Man United role

Twenty-six minutes was never going to settle the debate around Youri Tielemans. It was enough, though, to give Manchester United a snapshot of what he can offer. Tielemans made his first appearance in a United shirt in the 1-1 friendly draw with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg. The chance came sooner than expected when Mason Mount, one of United's brighter players in pre-season, came off after taking a hefty blow to his foot. The Belgian, signed from Aston Villa for £35m on a five-year deal, kept it simple: a couple of long cross-field passes, crisp first-time lay-offs and one well-timed sprint to close down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia near the United box. He even won the ball before passing it out of danger. Nothing flashy, but tidy. What impressed United's watching staff most was the early chemistry with Bruno Fernandes. Both were introduced after the break and quickly linked up with short, intelligent passes that allowed United to escape pressure and move the game forward. Fernandes was the creative engine last season, with nine goals and 21 assists as United finished third and returned to the Champions League. Tielemans looked capable of taking some of that load. Director of football Jason Wilcox promised the club would get composure, creativity and leadership when Tielemans arrived. Based on this cameo, he was not exaggerating. Marcus Rashford will rejoin the squad for the training camp in Ireland, with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez completing the final group of players to return after the World Cup. Rashford is back after Barcelona declined to make his loan permanent, and he has not played for United since December 2024. His former No. 10 shirt now belongs to Matheus Cunha, who was kept out of the Gothenburg game by a minor injury. With friendlies against Leeds United and AC Milan ahead, Carrick could give Rashford his first minutes in United colors since his return.