Ryan Giggs believes Axel Tuanzebe has the skills to flourish in midfield for Manchester United.
Tuanzebe, who can play centre-back and full-back, impressed on his return to the team against PSG.
It was Tuanzebe’s first game back in the team since December 2019 and he had Kylian Mbappe on lock.
🌟 Axel Tuanzebe 🌟
❌ No senior appearance since December 2019
😧 Last game was against Colchester in the Carabao Cup
🤯 Asked to handle Mbappe, Neymar & Di Maria
✅ Absolutely no sweat#MUFC #Tuanzebe pic.twitter.com/ce8oXZeAhC— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) October 21, 2020
Before kick-off you would have been forgiven for fearing the worst. Pitted against not only Mbappe but Neymar, the 22-year-old had his work cut out for him but never once shied away from his responsibilities on the night.
Any worries quickly vanished as the defender put in a flawless display, signally that the back three on the night suited the way in which United wanted to play against a rapid counter-attacking side like PSG.
It wasn’t just the defensive side of Tuanzebe’s game that impressed either. His passing and composure on the ball was very pleasing on the eye for every supporter concerned with Solskjaer’s options in defence after an underwhelming summer transfer window.
And Giggs, who watched Tuanzebe’s progress as a coach under Louis van Gaal, believes there’s more in his locker.
Giggs told Webby & O’Neill’s YouTube channel: “First of all, he’s a really good lad with a good mentality.
“All Axel’s got to do now is stay fit, play games because he’s got all of the attributes. He can handle the ball, he can even play in midfield.
“We thought about playing him midfield when he was fit, under Louis. He can read the game well, he’s quick — I think he showed that [against PSG].”
Watch the full video below
Read more: Pogba opens up on being benched for Manchester United’s big night in Paris
