Youri Tielemans’ comments about Manchester United being “above Aston Villa” have aged badly in the space of just two months, with Unai Emery’s side thriving in Europe while the midfielder’s new club suffers another humiliating defeat.
The former Villa player apologised in August after upsetting supporters with his remarks about United’s standing in English football. Now, following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, the Belgian may have fresh reasons to question his decision to leave Villa Park.
Tielemans apologised after controversial Manchester United comments
Tielemans moved to Manchester United for a reported £35 million after the club triggered the release clause in his Aston Villa contract.
Shortly after his departure, the midfielder said: “We won the Europa League, which is great for the club, but, yes, there are still clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
He also described the atmosphere at Old Trafford as particularly positive.
The comments provoked a reaction from Villa supporters, prompting Tielemans to issue an apology.
“It was never my intention for my words to the press yesterday to offend anyone or damage the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I respect immensely and for which I am grateful for the last three years,” he said.
“I must, however, admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words. I will be more careful in the future. I wish the club all the best.”
At the time, the midfielder attempted to make clear that he had not intended to disrespect the club that had given him three years of his career.
However, events on the pitch have since provided an uncomfortable contrast between the two sides.
Manchester United suffer another Champions League humiliation
The positive atmosphere Tielemans described at Old Trafford has reportedly given way to growing frustration following another difficult European night.
Manchester United suffered a 4-1 defeat against Como, managed by Michael Carrick, with Tielemans playing the full 90 minutes.
After the match, the midfielder acknowledged that his team’s performance had fallen well below expectations.
“It was a very bad match from us. The fans come all this way and we put in such a poor performance. That is not acceptable,” Tielemans said.
It was not the first time he had faced difficult questions following a Champions League defeat. Just a week earlier, United had lost 2-0 to Atlético Madrid, with teammate Lisandro Martínez publicly questioning the club’s summer recruitment, which included Tielemans.
Asked about Martínez’s comments, the Belgian declined to offer an opinion.
“I have no comment to make on that,” he said.
Tielemans also admitted that it was difficult to find positives after such a defeat, adding that United needed to work harder, take their chances and continue trusting their structure.
Aston Villa move to the top end of the Champions League table
While Manchester United were left to reflect on another disappointing result, Aston Villa enjoyed a successful European night of their own.
Emery’s side defeated Viking FK 3-1 at Villa Park, maintaining their perfect start to the Champions League campaign with three victories from three matches.
Ross Barkley opened the scoring before Emiliano Buendia converted a penalty. An own goal from Henrik Heggheim then extended Villa’s advantage, although Peter Christiansen scored late for the visitors.
Villa briefly moved to the top of the league-phase standings, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference, before Viking’s late goal affected their position.
Manchester United, meanwhile, sat 21st in the table according to the report.
The contrast between the two clubs was striking. Villa continued to build momentum in Europe under Emery, while United were left searching for answers after another heavy defeat.
Tielemans’ comments have aged badly
When Tielemans suggested that Manchester United were above Aston Villa, he may have been referring to the clubs’ perceived status and history. But the current European results have created an awkward backdrop to his comments.
Villa have responded positively to their challenges and remain well placed to pursue a finish among the Champions League’s top eight. United, by contrast, have endured a difficult start to their European campaign.
That does not determine the long-term fortunes of either club, but it does underline how quickly football narratives can change.
For Tielemans, the immediate priority will be helping United recover from their disappointing results. His earlier remarks, however, have inevitably returned to the spotlight.
The Aston Villa News BR verdict
Tielemans’ departure was a significant moment for Villa, but the contrast between the clubs’ latest Champions League performances has given supporters plenty of reasons to feel vindicated.
His claim that Manchester United were above Villa has not aged well in the context of the current European standings. Emery’s side have shown consistency, tactical flexibility and an ability to keep winning, while United are struggling to find answers.
One week of results does not settle the debate over the two clubs’ long-term standing. Nevertheless, Villa’s current progress provides a clear reminder that reputation alone does not determine success on the pitch.
For now, the balance of European results favours Villa — and Tielemans’ comments have become an uncomfortable part of the story.
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