Tielemans, 29, is set to become the second of three midfield additions this summer for Michael Carrick. Another player is expected to follow as United try to fill the void left by Casemiro, while Manuel Ugarte is scheduled to spend a lengthy amount of time on the sidelines following an injury he suffered at the World Cup.
This is in addition to an extended fixture list this season, with United returning to the Champions League. Last season, they also played just two domestic cup matches and lost both. Under Carrick, they will expect to go further in all competitions and a larger squad is required.
Tielemans is expected to finalise his transfer swiftly, with the player agreeing on the move and Villa powerless to stop it due to the release clause.
But he won’t have everything his own way on arrival.
Tielemans is unlikely to receive the number eight shirt, which he has worn throughout the entirety of his time at Villa. He also donned the same number while at Leicester and has worn eight for Belgium at the World Cup.
But at Old Trafford, captain Fernandes wears the same shirt. And he is unlikely to give that, despite playing as more of a natural No. 10 under Carrick.
That will leave Tielemans searching for alternatives.
When he first moved to England with Leicester, he took up #21 for a season before #8 became available. That number is available at United.
At Monaco, Tielemans wore #15 and #17 before settling on #8.
Leny Yoro wore #15 last year and #17 has quickly been snapped up by new boy Santos.
Throughout the entirety of Tielemans’ time at boyhood club Anderlecht, he wore #31. However, Senne Lammens took up those digits last year.
There is a possibility that Lammens picks #1 if current holder Altay Bayindir moves up, freeing up #31 for Tielemans.
But regardless of the number on the back of his shirt, United fans will be delighted to see United’s badge on the front.
They beat a host of clubs to the experienced midfielder’s signature, who could provide similar value to Casemiro in his twilight years in M17.