EPL: Tielemans explains why he left Aston Villa for Man United

Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans has explained his decision to leave Aston Villa for the Old Trafford club, describing the move as a step up in his career.

Tielemans completed a reported £35m move to United this summer after the club triggered his release clause, ending a transfer pursuit that had previously failed to materialise.

The Belgium international revealed that United had twice explored the possibility of signing him, first in 2019 following his impressive loan spell at Leicester City and again in 2022.

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“There had been two times that I spoke with the club, but it did not achieve anything,” Tielemans said, according to BBC Sport.

The 29-year-old said he had not expected to leave Villa this summer, as his focus was 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 said.

However, Tielemans admitted he was aware that a move could materialise because of the release clause in his contract.

“But you know every summer something can happen, and obviously I was aware of the clause,” he added.

Despite his departure, the midfielder expressed his gratitude to Villa, crediting the club 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.

However, he believes United represents a move to a bigger club.

“But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them,” he said.

Tielemans described joining United as a major achievement but stressed that securing the move was only the beginning of his ambitions.

“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 look to establish himself at Old Trafford and help United challenge for major honours after finally completing a move that had been discussed on two previous occasions.