Tielemans Reveals Why He Ditched Aston Villa for Manchester United

Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans has shed light on his decision to leave Aston Villa and join Manchester United, stating that the Red Devils are a more prestigious club. Tielemans completed his move to Old Trafford in a £35m deal after the club triggered his release clause, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga. The 29-year-old revealed that Manchester United had previously considered signing him on two occasions, first in 2019 following his impressive loan spell at Leicester City and again in 2022. In an interview with BBC Sport, Tielemans stated, 'There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything.' The midfielder confessed that he was not expecting to leave Villa during the summer transfer window and was instead focused on representing Belgium at the World Cup. '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,' he explained. However, Tielemans was aware that a move could materialize due to the release clause in his Villa contract. 'But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause,' he added. Despite parting ways with Villa, Tielemans expressed his gratitude to the club, crediting them with helping him rediscover his best form. '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,' Tielemans said. Nevertheless, he believes that Manchester United represents a step up in his career. 'But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them,' he stated. Tielemans views joining United as a significant achievement but has no intention of resting on his laurels. 'It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career,' he said. 'But it does not end there. I want to be successful.' Tielemans will now aim to establish himself at Old Trafford and help United compete for major honors.