Youri Tielemans has been capped 90 times for Belgium [Getty Images] 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. 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. "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."
I owe Villa the world but Man Utd are above them - Tielemans
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". 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.
Fearless Madjo, 17, ends eight-month wait with eye-catching Villa debut Fernandes the centre of attention - but what next for Man Utd captain?