Youri Tielemans says Manchester United 'above' Aston Villa

Youri Tielemans says he “owes Villa the world” but believes he has taken a step up by joining Manchester United.

The midfielder moved to Old Trafford last month after the Red Devils triggered a £35million release clause in his contract.

It brought to an end three successful years at Villa Park, during which he played a key role in the success of Unai Emery’s team, his highlights including scoring the opening goal in last season’s Europa League final.

But while the 29-year-old says he is “thankful” to Villa, he reckons United are “above” them as a club.

Michael Carrick’s side finished third in last season’s Premier League, above Emery’s men for the first time since 2023.

Tielemans told BBC Sport: "I am very thankful to Aston Villa. 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 Manchester United is one of them.

"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 had twice been targeted by United before joining Villa as a free agent after leaving Leicester in 2023.

"There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything," he recalled.

"I was very calm. I was not expecting much this summer, to be fair. I was just focused on my football, focused on the World Cup and trying to perform my best for my country.

"But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause.”