English media: Tielemans once called Man Utd bigger than Villa—UCL table tells a different story

According to James Pallatt of the Birmingham Mail, Youri Tielemans, who joined Man United from Aston Villa this summer, is enduring a difficult spell. He previously sparked controversy by claiming that Man United's status was superior to Villa's, but the two teams' performances in the Champions League now stand in stark contrast.

In August, Man United triggered the £35 million release clause in Tielemans' Aston Villa contract, bringing the Belgian midfielder to Old Trafford.

After joining Man United, Tielemans said in an interview: "We won the Europa League with Villa, which was a great achievement for the club. But there are certainly clubs with a higher status than Villa, and Man United is one of them."

"Especially at this stage, there's a very positive atmosphere both inside and outside the club, and everyone is feeling optimistic."

The comments immediately drew the ire of Aston Villa fans, prompting Tielemans to issue a public apology.

He said: "What I said to the media was never intended to offend anyone or belittle Aston Villa Football Club. I have great respect for this club and am very grateful for the three years I spent here."

"However, I must admit that my wording was inappropriate, and I apologize for it. I will choose my words more carefully going forward. I wish the club all the best."

The Birmingham Mail believes Tielemans may now be reconsidering his decision to leave Aston Villa and join Man United this summer after admitting that his previous comments were problematic.

Just two months later, the positive atmosphere Tielemans described at Man United has already dissipated.

Man United suffered a disappointing 1-4 defeat away to Como in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday evening. Tielemans played the full 90 minutes for Michael Carrick’s side.

After the match, Tielemans once again apologized to the fans.

He said: "It was a very poor performance. The fans came here to support us, but we delivered a display that fell well below the required standard."

This is not the first time Tielemans has faced difficult questions after a Champions League defeat.

Just a week earlier, Man United had lost 0-2 away to Atlético Madrid. After that match, United defender Lisandro Martínez publicly questioned the club's summer signings, who included Tielemans.

Asked about Martínez's comments, Tielemans replied: "I have no comment on that."

Reflecting on the team's performance, Tielemans added: "After a loss, it's hard to say the team is in a positive frame of mind. We had good spells in the game, but we couldn't convert our chances."

"As a result, it becomes very difficult to get back into the match. All we can do is keep working hard in training, maintain our belief in the team's tactical system, and continue to improve."

However, the Birmingham Mail points out that Man United have yet to show significant improvement, while Aston Villa continue to progress despite losing Tielemans.

On the same evening that Man United suffered a heavy defeat to Como, Unai Emery's Aston Villa beat Viking 3-1 at Villa Park.

This victory briefly lifted Aston Villa above PSG on goal difference to top the Champions League group stage standings. However, Viking's late goal reduced Villa's advantage on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Man United sit only 21st in the Champions League group stage standings.

The Birmingham Mail concluded that, just two months after Tielemans joined Man United, his earlier claims about the club's superior status already appear premature. By the most important measure—results on the pitch—Man United has yet to prove itself superior to Aston Villa.