Youri Tielemans made his Manchester United debut on Saturday, but his previous comments about Unai Emery show just how much influence the Aston Villa manager had on his career.
The Belgian left Villa for £35million earlier this summer after three seasons at Villa Park, ending a spell in which he developed into one of Emery’s most important players and helped the club win the Europa League.
Youri Tielemans opens up on Unai Emery impact
Tielemans has previously admitted it took time to fully understand the demands Emery placed on him.
In an interview with The Guardian, the midfielder explained that he initially struggled to reach the level required after arriving from Leicester City.
He said Emery’s system was “quite demanding”, but credited the process with helping him understand how he needed to improve.
That development eventually transformed his Villa career.
Tielemans went from waiting months for his first Premier League start to becoming a central figure under Emery. He was named both the club’s Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season in 2024/25 before scoring in Villa’s Europa League final victory last season.
His departure therefore left a considerable hole in Emery’s midfield.
ReadAstonVilla has already looked at how João Gomes could now establish himself in that new-look midfield, with Villa rebuilding following Tielemans’ exit and Amadou Onana’s injury.
Emery influence remains part of Tielemans story
Tielemans made his first United appearance during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain after his delayed return following the World Cup.
His career has now moved on from Villa Park, but his progression under Emery remains difficult to separate from the player United have signed.
Emery demanded more from Tielemans when his first season at Villa became difficult. The midfielder responded by becoming one of the most trusted players in his team.
United will hope they are now getting the finished product.
For Villa, Tielemans’ own assessment of Emery’s demanding methods provides another reminder of the standards behind the club’s rise.
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