Man Utd pundits have Axel Tuanzebe theory after star shines in PSG victory
Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk
Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe impressed during Tuesday's 2-1 win over PSG in the Champions League
Manchester United may have found a solution to their defensive issues.
Axel Tuanzebe's performance at the Parc des Princes last night has propelled him into contention for a regular starting spot at the heart of the Red Devils backline.
PSG stars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were kept at bay by the 22-year-old, who was making his first start for 10 months in Paris.
With Harry Maguire facing a crisis over his form, and Eric Bailly injured, Tuanzebe could now be a regular fixture in United's defence.
And club heroes Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves both think the youngster has played himself into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.
(Image: YOAN VALAT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
"This is where United have struggled in the last six to 12 months, chasing players down those channels," Ferdinand said on BT Sport.
"They can't stay with them and it opens up the back four, back three. But here, he was smelling danger.
"Ole has just said that's two of the best strikers in the world. He snuffed out danger on many occasion and you have to reward performances like that at a time of injuries.
"Again, first game in 10 months and to come in and play like that from out the cold you just deserve to be rewarded."
And Hargreaves agreed with his former Old Trafford team-mate.
"He's not getting out of the side," he added.
"If you've got this much athleticism in these positions [run against Mbappe]."
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Solskjaer was keen to praise Tuanzebe at full-time, after United secured their 2-1 win over the French giants.
"When you go away to a team like this against Neymar and Mbappe, top players in the world, you have to defend well and your keeper will have to make saves," he said.
"Axel Tuanzebe is a top defender and his first game in 10 months was testament to the quality he has."
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