Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans has been forced to apologise following his comments after leaving Aston Villa. The summer arrival claimed that the Red Devils were above his former employers, whom he helped back to European silverware with their Europa League triumph.

The Red Devils made the move for the 29-year-old during the summer as they triggered the £35million release clause within his contract. Tielemans ended his three year spell in the West Midlands and arrived as part of the reinforcements in Michael Carrick’s midfield, a problem position at Old Trafford in recent years.

However, Tielemans sparked anger with his comments in his first extended sit-down with journalists as the conclusion to United’s pre-season preparations looms closer.

In a post to Instagram, he said: “Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or undermine the institution of Aston Villa Football Club which I massively respect and I’m grateful to for the past three years.

@rioferdinandpresents Belgium captain Youri Tielemans is loving the big personalities and positive egos in the Man United squad 🚨 Catch the FULL exclusive interview with @Rio Ferdinand and Youri Tielemans 🎧🎥 Rio Ferdinand sits down with new Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans to discuss his surprise move to Old Trafford, his first conversations with Michael Carrick and why joining United was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down Tielemans reveals what Carrick told him about his role, why the United boss sees similarities between them and how he wants Tielemans to control the tempo, take responsibility in possession and how he can help connect United’s defence with their attacking players The Belgium captain gives his early assessment of his new midfield partners, discussing what Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos can each bring to the team. He explains why Bruno is a “nightmare” to play against, where Mainoo can still improve and why Santos could give United’s midfield the security to attack with more freedom Tielemans also reveals some of the early details he’s picked up inside the United squad – including which player was first to message him after his move, the funniest player on the training pitch and why he’s been pleasantly surprised with the ego and ‘edge’ within the leadership group of senior players He opens up on playing alongside Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa and why the player he saw every day was completely different to the public perception around him, praising his commitment, attitude and the qualities he can bring back to United Youri also reflects on becoming a Champions League player at just 16, the advice he’d give JJ Gabriel aged 15 and what he learned under Unai Emery at Aston Villa Plus, Tielemans builds his ultimate five-a-side team from the players he’s shared a pitch with, featuring Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Jamie Vardy – revealing what made Hazard unlike anyone he’d ever played with and why Lukaku doesn’t get the respect he deserves #rioferdinand #footballtiktok #Soccer #PremierLeague #manchesterunited ♬ original sound – Rio Ferdinand Presents

“I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, (I) will be more careful in the future. Wishing the club the best in the future. Youri.”

Factions of the Villa Park faithful appear to have taken umbrage with the comments made by the Belgium captain. Tielemans said: “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 has featured prominently during the preparations for the new season, which begin on August 22 with a trip to newly promoted Hull City.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined United this summer(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

United’s final game of their pre-season build-up comes against AC Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim who was sacked by the Red Devils in January.

United have been busy in the window, acquiring Andrey Santos to help bolster their midfield, while work remains ongoing to further strengthen positions across the pitch.

It is an important season for Carrick and his side as they return to the Champions League following last season’s third-place finish. All eyes will be on whether they can compete on all fronts, however, on the pitch the focus will be on alleviating the burden on Bruno Fernandes.

The United captain has been instrumental for the club during a dour period in the club’s history. Tielemans has already talked up the relationship with his midfield partner.