Youri Tielemans has issued a public apology to Aston Villa supporters after making controversial comments about his summer transfer to Manchester United. The Belgium midfielder triggered a backlash after implying that his switch to the Red Devils during the current transfer window represented a step up.

Backlash over 'bigger club' comments

The 29-year-old midfielder, who made 134 appearances, scored 10 goals and registered 25 assists for Aston Villa after arriving from Leicester City in the summer of 2023, came under fire from the Villa Park faithful during Manchester United's pre-season tour. While looking back on his move to Old Trafford, Tielemans first spoke positively about his former club for helping him rediscover his form, but then moved into risky territory with his view on the pecking order in English football.

Speaking to the media, the former Leicester City player said: 'But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.' That direct comparison did not go down well with Villa supporters, particularly given the club's recent progress under Unai Emery, which included winning the UEFA Europa League last season and finishing fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the upcoming UEFA Champions League.

Tielemans issues public apology

Using social media to clarify his position, Tielemans said he regretted the wording of his earlier interview. He was keen to stress that he still has great respect for the club despite leaving. He wrote: '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. 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.'

The apology came after Tielemans completed a £35 million move to Manchester United earlier this summer. The Red Devils activated a release clause in his contract to take him to Old Trafford on a five-year deal. Despite the tension caused by his recent remarks, the midfielder had been an important player for Villa since joining from Leicester in 2023.

A fresh start at Old Trafford

The transfer to Manchester marks a major moment for the experienced midfielder, who has signed a contract keeping him at the club until 2031. Tielemans dealt with fitness problems last season and was restricted to only 35 appearances in all competitions because of separate calf and ankle injuries.

Tielemans goes into the new campaign after representing Belgium at this summer's World Cup, where he helped his nation reach the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by Spain. Individually, the midfielder had an impressive tournament, scoring twice in their Round of 32 match against Senegal.

Looking ahead to the new season

Both clubs are now moving into the closing phase of their pre-season schedules before the Premier League season begins next weekend. Manchester United are due to face Italian giants AC Milan, with Tielemans likely hoping to answer the recent media controversy through his performances on the pitch, while Aston Villa take on German side Borussia Monchengladbach in their own final pre-season outing on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa suffered a setback after a 2–1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup. Emery's team will try to respond when they begin their Premier League campaign away to Brighton on August 23, while Manchester United start their own league season a day earlier with a trip to Hull City on August 22.