Aston Villa midfielder apologizes for Manchester United boast
Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans has apologized for offending fans with a boast about Manchester United. The Belgium international made a £35 million move to Old Trafford in July when United triggered a release clause in his Villa contract.
Why it matters for Aston Villa
Tielemans' comments have sparked outrage among Villa fans, who feel that he disrespected the club and its supporters. The midfielder's apology is a welcome move, but it may not be enough to repair the damage.
What comes next?
Aston Villa is currently 20 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race. The team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing last season and is expected to make a strong push for a top-four finish.
Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans has apologized for offending fans with a boast about Manchester United. The Belgium international made a £35 million move to Old Trafford in July when United triggered a release clause in his Villa contract. Tielemans had no qualms about joining United, who finished one spot above fourth-placed Villa in the Premier League last season.
"There are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them," he said recently. Few would deny United have a far greater global profile than Emery's men, but Villa supporters were upset by Tielemans' suggestion this week that their club are smaller than the 20-time English champions.
Tielemans, who joined Villa from Leicester in 2023, took to social media to make peace with his old club. "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," the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram on Thursday.
"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." Tielemans, who scored in Villa's Europa League final win against Freiburg, described his move to United as "the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football".
He is expected to make his first Premier League appearance for United in their season opener at Hull on August 22. Aston Villa is currently 4th in the Premier League, with 65 points from 38 games, and is on a 4-game winning run. The team's next fixture is against Hull City on September 5.
