Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the reasons behind the decision to select Axel Tuanzebe as Manchester United captain against Rochdale.
Tuanzebe was a surprise choice for the armband, despite looking impressive in his performances in pre-season and United’s Europa League victory over FC Astana. Paul Pogba and Sergio Romero were the obvious captain choices but it was great to see the academy graduate leading the side out.
The 21-year-old put in an assured and composed performance at the back for the Reds, justifying Solskjaer’s choice.
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“Axel is a captain in the making, he’s a leader – why not give to young kids?,” Solskjaer told Talksport.
“We know we can give it to Sergio [Romero] and we can give it to Paul, that’s no problem and they’ve been captains before.
“But it was Axel today and how does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it.
“It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him.”
Tuanzebe has stepped up whenever called upon by Solskjaer and his next target will be to break into the first-team set up in the Premier League.
Victor Lindelof has had as shaky start to the season and there is a possibility Tuanzebe could eventually take the Swede’s place in central defence alongside Harry Maguire.
However, we expect Lindelof to retain his place in defence against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night after being rested for last night’s Carabao Cup tie.
