Manchester United signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa last month (Picture: Getty) Youri Tielemans has issued a heartfelt apology to Aston Villa fans after suggesting Manchester United were a level ‘above’ his former team. After wrapping up a deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos, United further strengthened their midfield by triggering a £35million release clause in Tielemans’ contract at Villa Park. Tielemans enjoyed three years with the Villains after joining the club from Leicester City back in 2023, racking up ten goals and 25 assists in 134 appearances across all competitions. The 29-year-old made sure to depart Villa on good terms after helping Unai Emery’s side get their hands on the Europa League trophy – the club’s first European title in 44 years. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. However, some seemingly innocuous remarks he made in the week managed to rub many up the wrong way, prompting an online backlash from those supporters who had been singing his name not so long ago. ‘I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world,’ Tielemans said. ‘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 Manchester United is one of them. Tielemans made his second United appearance versus Leeds on Wednesday (Picture: Getty) The Belgian scored in the shootout in Dublin (Picture: Getty) ‘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 made his unofficial United debut last weekend as Michael Carrick’s men draw 1-1 with European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg. United fans got a second look at Tielemans as the Belgian featured again versus Leeds on Wednesday night, coming onto the field with half an hour remaining at Dublin’s Croke Park. Tielemans finished the match on a high, making no mistake from the spot as United beat their bitter rivals 5-4 on penalties. Tielemans apologised on his social media pages (Picture: Instagram) But less than 24 hours on, Tielemans felt the need to reach out to those Villa supporters who he may have upset with his comments prior to the friendly. ‘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 three years,’ he wrote. ‘I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.’ Tielemans took the opportunity to send his best wishes to his former club, who begin their Premier League campaign away to Brighton in just over a week’s time. ‘Wishing the club the best in the future. Youri,’ he added. More to follow. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source