Man Utd signing Youri Tielemans issues apology over Aston Villa comment
Youri Tielemans has issued a heartfelt apology to Aston Villa fans after suggesting Manchester United were a level ‘above’ his former team.
After wrapping up a deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos, United further strengthened their midfield by triggering a £35million release clause in Tielemans’ contract at Villa Park.
Tielemans enjoyed three years with the Villains after joining the club from Leicester City back in 2023, racking up ten goals and 25 assists in 134 appearances across all competitions.
The 29-year-old made sure to depart Villa on good terms after helping Unai Emery’s side get their hands on the Europa League trophy – the club’s first European title in 44 years.
Get the latest transfer news every morning
Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won’t be around next season.
However, some seemingly innocuous remarks he made in the week managed to rub many up the wrong way, prompting an online backlash from those supporters who had been singing his name not so long ago.
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
‘I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world,’ Tielemans said.
‘It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level. But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.
‘It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career. But it does not end there. I want to be successful.’
Tielemans made his unofficial United debut last weekend as Michael Carrick’s men draw 1-1 with European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg.
United fans got a second look at Tielemans as the Belgian featured again versus Leeds on Wednesday night, coming onto the field with half an hour remaining at Dublin’s Croke Park.
Tielemans finished the match on a high, making no mistake from the spot as United beat their bitter rivals 5-4 on penalties.
But less than 24 hours on, Tielemans felt the need to reach out to those Villa supporters who he may have upset with his comments prior to the friendly.
‘Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or undermine the institution of Aston Villa Football Club which I massively respect and I’m grateful to for the past three years,’ he wrote.
‘I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.’
Tielemans took the opportunity to send his best wishes to his former club, who begin their Premier League campaign away to Brighton in just over a week’s time.
‘Wishing the club the best in the future. Youri,’ he added.
Tielemans could be in line to make his Premier League debut for United against newly promoted Hull City on August 22.
The former Villa, Leicester and Monaco man will no doubt be desperate to hit the ground running in the No.18 shirt, previously worn by the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Scholes.
Featuring as a guest on talkSPORT this week, Ben Foster applauded United on their transfer business thus far – and branded Tielemans the ‘signing of the summer’ in the Premier League.
More Trending
- Gabriel Martinelli sends message to Arsenal board over £42m transfer
- ‘Outstanding’ – Chelsea urged to sign £47m Man Utd star in shock deal
- Chelsea make approach to sign £80m Man Utd target after Pep Chavarria transfer
‘I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing so far. What a bit of business,’ the ex-United and England goalkeeper said.
‘I’ve watched a load of transfers happen, Tottenham spending a lot of money, Arsenal have just spent a lot of money, but I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing of the summer so far.
‘For £30m (£35m), whatever it was, he is a ready-made, good-to-go, starting XI player and if you can spend that money on a ready-to-go starter then it’s worth every single penny.
‘I still think they need that one focal point striker, that one big boy striker. The problem is, where are you going to get it from? And it’s going to cost you £100m, it’s the way it goes nowadays.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arrow
MORE: Mikel Merino makes Arsenal claim after £75m Bruno Guimaraes transfer
Arrow
MORE: ‘Team to beat’ – Steve Bruce names Premier League title favourites
Arrow
MORE: Nicolas Jackson sends message to Chelsea over transfer exit after Aston Villa interest
Football Newsletter
Sign up for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won’t be around next season.
Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/08/13/man-utd-signing-youri-tielemans-issues-apology-aston-villa-comment-29370114/