Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa supporters after comments about his move to Manchester United sparked a wave of criticism online.
The Belgium international joined United this summer after the club triggered his £35 million release clause, ending his three-year spell at Villa.
Tielemans had spoken positively about his time at Villa and acknowledged the progress he made at the club.
However, his assessment of the two clubs quickly became the headline.
“But there are still clubs above Aston Villa and Manchester United is one of them,” the midfielder said speaking to the media in Dublin.
The comment did not go down well with sections of the Villa fanbase, with supporters reacting strongly across social media.
Rather than allow the controversy to grow, Tielemans addressed the situation directly through Instagram.
The former Villa midfielder made it clear that he did not intend to disrespect the club or the supporters who backed him during his time at Villa Park.
“Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or the institution of Aston Villa, which I massively respect and I’m grateful to for the past three 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 represents an attempt by the midfielder to close the chapter quickly as he begins life at Old Trafford.
Tielemans’ move to Manchester United marks a major new stage in his Premier League career.
The midfielder arrived at Villa as a free agent after leaving Leicester City and gradually rebuilt his reputation as one of the league’s more experienced central midfielders.
His time at Villa produced several memorable moments, including European success, while the club established itself as a regular contender for continental football.
That history explains why Tielemans’ latest comments generated such a strong reaction.
For Villa supporters, the issue was less about his decision to join United and more about the wording used to describe his former club.
Despite the controversy, Tielemans has made it clear that his appreciation for Aston Villa has not disappeared.
His apology specifically recognised the role the club played in his development and the gratitude he feels towards the institution.
The midfielder now has the difficult task of moving forward without allowing the incident to overshadow his Manchester United career.
At Old Trafford, expectations will be considerably higher, with Tielemans expected to bring Premier League experience, technical quality and composure to United’s midfield.
Manchester United’s decision to trigger Tielemans’ £35m release clause demonstrated their belief that he can make an immediate impact.
The Belgian now has the opportunity to turn attention away from his Villa comments and towards what matters most — performances on the pitch.
For Villa fans, the apology may help calm the situation. For Tielemans, however, the message is already clear: his words have created an unnecessary early talking point.
Now, the best response will come on the pitch. With his Manchester United chapter officially underway, Tielemans will be judged less by what he said about Villa and more by what he delivers in a United shirt.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
