Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa supporters after saying Manchester United were a club “above” Villa following his summer move to Old Trafford. His remarks prompted criticism from some Villa fans, despite his praise for the club’s role in restoring his form, and he later acknowledged that his choice of words had been mistaken.

The 29-year-old Belgium midfielder joined United on a five-year contract after they activated a £35m release clause, ending three years at Villa Park in which he made 134 appearances and scored 10 goals. Tielemans, who signed until 2031, was limited to 35 Villa appearances last season by calf and ankle injuries; United and Villa both complete their pre-season schedules on Saturday before the Premier League begins next weekend.