Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa supporters after comments he made following his move to Manchester United prompted a backlash. The Belgium international completed a �35m switch to Old Trafford earlier this summer after United activated the release clause in his Villa contract.During his first media interviews as a United player, Tielemans praised Villa for helping him rediscover his best form before saying there were clubs above Villa and describing Manchester United as one of them.The remarks were criticised by some Villa fans, leading the midfielder to issue a public apology on social media.Yesterdays comments were never intended to disrespect Aston Villa or anyone connected with the club, Tielemans wrote on Instagram.I have enormous respect for the club and Im grateful for everything over the past three years.I accept that I chose the wrong words and Im sorry for that. Ill be more careful in future.I wish Aston Villa nothing but success going forward.Tielemans excited for big club challengeTielemans joined Villa from Leicester City in 2023 and went on to make 134 appearances, scoring 10 goals during his three seasons at Villa Park.After helping Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals this summer, he signed a long-term contract with United that runs until 2031.Injuries disrupted his final campaign at Villa, with calf and ankle problems limiting him to 35 appearances in all competitions his fewest in a season since arriving in England.Describing his move to Old Trafford after it was confirmed, Tielemans said joining United represented the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and called it an incredible feeling to sign for one of footballs biggest clubs.United conclude their pre-season schedule against AC Milan on Saturday, while Villa face Borussia Monchengladbach before both clubs begin their Premier League campaigns next weekend. Topics Aston Villa F.C. Manchester United F.C. Youri Tielemans Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read We must feel very proud Emery backs Villa youngsters after Super Cup defeat to PSG Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 Carrick explains Rashford omission after Manchester Uniteds clash with Leeds Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 PSG 2-1 Aston Villa: Report, result and goals as Parisians retain UEFA Super Cup Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 Manchester United 1-1 Leeds: Report, result and goals as Red Devils win on penalties against Premier League opponents Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 WATCH: 17-year-old Madjo pulls Villa level vs PSG Mitch Fretton 12th August, 2026 How to watch the Premier League 2026/27: Full details of TV channel, confirmed online streams to follow English football Ben Miller 12th August, 2026
