Tielemans apologises to Villa fans for Man Utd remarks
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- Youri Tielemans apologised on Instagram, saying he "never meant" for his pre-season press comments to offend Villa and calling his choice of words a mistake he would learn from.
- Manchester United triggered a £35m release clause to sign the Belgium midfielder on a five-year deal running until 2031, after three seasons and 134 appearances at Villa Park.
- Tielemans had told reporters that United are among the clubs "above Villa", praising Villa for restoring him to "my best level" while calling the move to Old Trafford the "culmination of years of dedication".
- Tielemans featured just 35 times for Villa last season — his lowest campaign tally in England — after separate calf and ankle problems.
- Belgium reached the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals with Tielemans in the squad before his July move to United was completed.
- Aston Villa host Borussia Mönchengladbach while United face AC Milan on Saturday, the final pre-season fixtures before the new Premier League weekend begins.
Why it matters: Tielemans walks into a United career already on the back foot with the club he just left, having handed Villa fans ammunition on a pre-season stage that will be replayed when the sides meet this season. United still paid the full £35m clause for a player who managed only 35 appearances last term through injury.
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