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Youri Tielemans 'wishes he'd stayed at Aston Villa' as Man United descend into further chaos
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- Youri Tielemans 'wishes he'd stayed at Aston Villa' as Man United descend into further chaos
Youri Tielemans is likely wishing that he had chosen to reject the Manchester United move and stay at Aston Villa in the summer transfer window.
That is according to former senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
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The 29-year-old made the switch to Old Trafford after a release clause worth £35million in his contract was met, taking fans by surprise.
Tielemans had enjoyed a brilliant season for Villa and a great World Cup with Belgium, and was seen as a significant loss for Unai Emery's side.
Yet the midfielder has made 12 appearances for Man United so far this season and has looked well off the pace, appearing further forward of late.
It remains to be seen how another manager may utilise the Belgian, should Michael Carrick be shown the door at Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
'One player doesn't make a football team'
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Villa fans had hoped to see Tielemans end his career at Villa Park, having arrived on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023.
The Belgium international chose Emery's project and was a brilliant signing, making 134 appearances over his three years at the club.
Fittingly, Tielemans' final game for Villa would see him score the opener against Freiburg in the Europa League final.
"They've settled in and they're starting to perform very well. They look a good side, Villa," King told Football Insiderwhen asked about Saturday's win over Manchester City.
"Man City had two or three good chances as well - the other header that [Erling] Haaland had that was cleared off the line. But on the day, Villa certainly looked a better side than what Man City did.
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"You certainly have to give a lot of praise for the recruitment during the summer. They never sat back. They went out and spent the money that they got in from [Morgan] Rogers and from the other players.
"I bet people like Tielemans are starting to think, 'I wish I'd stayed'. One player doesn't make a football team."
Youri Tielemans should hang his head in shame as new Man United details emerge What Youri Tielemans said after leaving Villa
There are no overly hard feelings against Tielemans at Villa, he did not force his way out and it would have been hard to turn down the move.
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The 29-year-old is coming into the final years of his career and is undoubtedly earning far more money at Old Trafford.
"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 in August.
"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."
