Manchester United FC are reportedly in the lookout of a central defender to partner club captain Harry Maguire. Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have been good when they have played but aren’t top-notch defenders and don’t complement Maguire’s qualities. But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks that academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe is good enough to compete at the highest level.
The Red Devils have been linked to a host of centre-backs lately including Koulibaly, Nathan Ake and Milan Skriniar. But all of the defenders will come at a price, which might hamper Manchester United’s transfer budget this summer. United are desperate to get a right-winger and a midfielder, thus getting a centre-back in the market might not be the best option.
Solskjaer rated Axel Tuanzebe very high and believes he can reach the heights Ferdinand and Vidic reached their peaks. The defender spent the last season on-loan at Aston Villa and helped the club gain promotion. Tuanzebe was a rock at the centre of defence for Aston Villa and was one of the best defenders in the Championship.
Impressed by his performances, Solskjaer brought Axel back to the Red Devils and trained him with the first-team. The 22-year old Englishman has also featured for the Red Devils 11 times this season in all competitions. In fact, Axel Tuanzebe has also captained the United side in a Europa League group-stage match this season.
Tuanzebe is young and strong in the air as well as very quick, and most importantly won’t cost United a penny. His passing range is also good, and all his qualities sit well when partnered with those of Maguire’s. Unfortunately, this season he has been injured quite a lot and has thus featured in only 11 matches.
If Tuanzebe can stay fit next season, he has a great chance to prove himself in the Premier League with the Red Devils. The officials at United will be delighted to see his progress and want him to continue his progress at Old Trafford. Solskjaer rates him among Tuanzebe very high and only time will tell if his confidence in the youngster turns out to be true or not.
