MANCHESTER UNITED star Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa after claiming his new club were “above” them.

The midfielder, 29, to after the Red Devils paid his release clause.

Leeds United v Manchester United - Pre-Season FriendlyYouri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa after claiming Man United were ‘above’ them Credit: Getty Birmingham, UK. 03rd May, 2025. Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa waves. Premier League match, Aston Villa v Fulham at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday 3rd May 2025. this image may only be used for Editorial purposes. Editorial use only, pic by AndrHe admitted to making a ‘mistake’ with his choice of words Credit: Alamy

But Tielemans ruffled a few feathers after admitting United were one of the clubs bigger than Villa.

He said: “I am very thankful to . I owe them the world. It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level.

“But there are clubs above Villa, and is one of them.”

His words didn’t go down well with some Villa supporters as some asked if the jibe was “necessary”.

And he put out an apology for Villa fans after the “mistake” of his “choice of words”.

He wrote on his story: “Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or undermine the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I massively respect and I’m grateful to 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. Youri.”

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Elsewhere in his initial interview, Tielemans revealed he had previously been chased by United and vowed to be a success at Old Trafford.

“There have been two times that I spoke with the club, but it didn’t (come) to anything, so I was just very calm about i

“Listen, when a move comes up, then if it needs to happen, it will happen.

“At the times that I have been linked with the club before, it did not happen, but it is what it is. I just keep working, keep doing my thing on the pitch and then it happens.

“It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career. But it does not end there. I want to be successful.”

Tielemans was a key figure in Villa’s top 2025-26 season that saw them finish fourth and win the Europa League.

He started 21 times for Villa in the Prem last season, assisting four goals.

Tielemans also scored a further two on their path to Europa League glory, assisting three.

He is United’s six signing of the summer after the arrivals of Karl Darlow, Kit Margetson, Cristian Orozco, Andrey Santos and Tynan Thompson.