Youri Tielemans Apologizes to Aston Villa Fans After Comments on Manchester United Move
Youri Tielemans has expressed regret to Aston Villa supporters following remarks suggesting he joined a “bigger club” in Manchester United. The Belgium midfielder, aged 29, transitioned to Old Trafford this summer after United activated a £35m release clause in his contract.
Having spent three years at Villa Park after transferring from Leicester City in 2023, Tielemans made a total of 134 appearances and scored 10 goals. During a pre-season tour with United, he acknowledged Villa’s role in enhancing his performance but mentioned that “there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
These comments displeased some Villa fans, prompting Tielemans to clarify his position via Instagram. He stated, “Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I massively respect and I’m grateful for the past 3 years.” He further admitted his error in phrasing and promised to be more cautious in the future, while wishing the club well.
Tielemans, who assisted Belgium in reaching the quarter-finals of the recent World Cup, signed with United in July until 2031. Last season, he faced calf and ankle injuries that limited his play to 35 matches across all competitions for Villa, marking the lowest total during his time in England.
He described his move to United as “the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football” and expressed his excitement about joining “such a special club.”
As the new Premier League season approaches, United prepares to face AC Milan, while Villa will take on Borussia Monchengladbach in their final pre-season games this Saturday.
Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa fans after suggesting he had moved to a bigger club in Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Belgium midfielder, 29, moved to Old Trafford this summer on a five-year deal from Villa when United triggered a £35m release clause in his contract.
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Tielemans spent three years at Villa Park after joining from Leicester City in 2023, making 134 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
Speaking during United’s pre-season tour, Tielemans praised Villa for putting him “back to my best level”, before adding: “But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
Some Villa fans were unhappy with Tielemans’ comments, so he took to Instagram to clear the air.
“Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I massively respect and I’m grateful for the past 3 years,” he wrote on Thursday.
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“I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.
“Wishing the club the best in the future.”
Tielemans, who helped Belgium reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup this summer, signed for United in July until 2031.
Last season he suffered separate calf and ankle problems that restricted him to 35 appearances in all competitions for Villa, the lowest number in a campaign during his time in England.
He called his move to Old Trafford “the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football” and said signing for “such a special club” like United “feels incredible”.
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United take on AC Milan and Villa face Borussia Monchengladbach in their final pre-season games on Saturday, before the new Premier League campaign begins next weekend.
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