Youri Tielemans may be regretting his summer move to Manchester United as Aston Villa’s impressive start to the season continues, according to former Villa scout Bryan King.
Villa strengthened their position with a victory over Manchester City at the weekend, extending a run of improvement under Unai Emery. The club’s recruitment has also attracted praise after several important summer departures.
King believes Emery has once again managed to rebuild his squad effectively, despite Villa’s customary slow start and the time needed for new arrivals to settle.
“They’ve settled in and they’re starting to perform very well. They look a good side, Villa,” King said.
He added: “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.”
Aston Villa rebuild while Manchester United struggle
Tielemans’ departure has taken on greater significance as Villa have continued to develop. The Belgium midfielder could now be wondering how far Emery’s side might have progressed had he remained at the club.
King’s assessment contrasts Villa’s progress with Manchester United’s difficulties. While Villa have reassembled their squad under a coach who has repeatedly overseen a regeneration, United have continued to struggle to build a successful team despite their considerable resources.
Emery’s work has been particularly notable after Villa lost what was described as the spine of their team during the summer. Their recent form suggests the new signings are beginning to make an impact.
