Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe’s Aston Villa side have been promoted to the Premier League, after beating Derby 2-1 in the play-off final at Wembley.
Tuanzebe, 21, started the huge Championship clash and proved a key figure in the Midland club’s success.
The centre-back has been a mainstay in Dean Smith’s side all season in his loan spell, earning high praise for excellent performances in defence. He has made 30 appearances this season (whoscored), gaining valuable first-team experience in a notoriously tough division.
NEXT:MEN reveal Man Utd’s stance on De Ligt transfer; source accuses Barcelona of framing stories
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now has a decision to make on whether to keep the young defender at Old Trafford, or whether to loan him out again to Aston Villa, where he can play regular Premier League football.
With the Reds’ clear defensive frailties, you would think that there is no reason Tuanzebe can’t push for a place in United’s squad next season, if he is given the chance to impress in pre-season.
United have been linked with Ajax captain Matthjis De Ligt and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, though it still looks unlikely either of these deals will be pulled off.
Many Reds on twitter have called for Tuanzebe to be promoted to United’s first team next season, but there is a recognition that another season out on loan could also continue the youngster’s development.
It’s time for Axel Tuanzebe to step up to first team football with Manchester United. Would prefer to see him develop than watching Jones and Smalling take a step backwards every season. #mufc
— Aidan Walsh 🔰 (@AidanWalshMUFC) May 27, 2019
Time for Axel Tuanzebe to come back to #MUFC. Surely deserves game time ahead of the players we've been subjected to, who for almost a decade, more often than not, have let us down. #AstonVilla #MUFC_FAMILY
— Riaz Hamed 🇿🇦🔰 (@RiazHamed2) May 27, 2019
#mufc ole put Axel Tuanzebe in first team with lindelof come on Axel Tuanzebe bring him back ManchesterUnited #MUFC pic.twitter.com/C6i7U9Yz9X
— Stuart batey 🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧 (@batey_stuart) May 27, 2019
Axel Tuanzebe’s game by numbers vs. Derby County:
100% tackles won
78% pass accuracy
5 ball recoveries
1 interceptionSlots back in @ManUtd… 👀 pic.twitter.com/6TDK5yuLDC
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 27, 2019
I would give Axel Tuanzebe a chance in pre season, but unless he is going to be undisputed first choice next year, surely it’s in our best interests to loan him back to Villa?
Better for his development to be playing PL football every week instead of sitting on the bench.
— Sibs 🔰 (@SibsMUFC) May 27, 2019
We all like Axel Tuanzebe at #MUFC and want to see him improve. However, it might he smart to loan him back to Aston Villa for 12 months now they are in the Prem. He needs to keep playing and developing, not sat on our bench. Axel could become a genuine star.
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) May 27, 2019
Another tremendous performance from Axel Tuanzebe, can’t explain how much I want this lad to succeed. Ole’s a big fan, already said he can’t wait for Axel to join up with the squad before we head out on tour. Can only hope he performs to the same level he has done with Villa.
— Josh (@ManUnitedMedia) May 27, 2019
Here's hoping Axel Tuanzebe gets his chance to prove himself at United next season ahead of Smalling and Jones. No excuses not to. #MUFC
— Michael Edwards (@MikeEd81) May 27, 2019
@ManUtd , surely Axel Tuanzebe would be a better option than Smalling or Jones!
— Delta Gas Plumbing and Heating Ltd (@MarkConnet) May 27, 2019
De Ligt helped Ajax to domestic double + Axel Tuanzebe helped Villa to promotion.
There’s our CB pair ✍🏿
— Chapo's Gunman (@edwonday) May 27, 2019
