The English and Congolese born came through the ranks with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Dean Henderson all starters for the club presently. It hasn’t been a smooth ride for Axel Tuanzebe. After coming in and out of the first team on different occasions and furthered with a couple of own goals to his name, he has made the Gaffer to put some huge question marks in his contribution and appearances.

The 23 year old has also put in some top quality performances during the 2020/2021 Champions League group stage match. Most notably against PSG first leg, where he was up against Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. He received a lot of praise after that match with Ole stating “he surprised us” after the game that night.

Is Axel the right cover?

Manchester United have been searching for the best defensive partnership alongside Harry Maguire. None of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and the young Axel Tuanzebe, have been able to form that solidify partnership with the skipper. The fact that Eric Bailly is injury prone, Victor Lindelof isn’t solid and confident enough, even Axel Tuanzebe has blew his chances a couple of times has raised questions as to a summer purchase.

Many of the United Faithfuls have been clamoring for him to be sent out on loan to a PL top flight club. Other groups of the fanbase want him to stay and prove himself. This has been the talk of the town for a while now. Is it time for Axel to move out on loan? Or it is time for him to step up his game and prove he is the perfect partner for Maguire.

Former Manchester United legend Wes Brown stated:
“Axel is a brilliant player, he has to play well and give the manager a problem”. Can he prove his doubters wrong and give Ole a selection dilemma at the back-line.

Conclusion

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to make a huge call at the end of this current season. The idea of keeping him or shipping (sell or loan) him out for his own good and development to a top flight PL club, or buying a defensive cover will be a tough call by Ole. Especially if Eric Bailly follows suit as reports suggest. Time will tell.