Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa fans after suggest that Manchester United were a level above his former club.
Tielemans made the switch from Villa Park to Old Trafford this summer for a £35m fee having twice held talks previously about joining Manchester United.
The Belgium midfielder flourished under Unai Emery after arriving at Aston Villa on a free transfer from Leicester in 2023, helping them to Europa League triumph earlier this year with a goal in the final
The 29-year-old faced criticism, though, from supporters after suggesting during his new employers’ pre-season tour that “there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them."
Tielemans has now admitted that he made a mistake with that remark, though meant no offence.
"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," Tielemans posted on Instagram.
"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."
Villa finished a place and six points behind Manchester United in the Premier League last season, and were narrowly beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in the Uefa Super Cup on Wednesday.
Tielemans, meanwhile, featured off the bench for Michael Carrick’s side in a friendly against Leeds at Croke Park in Dublin.
