With the World Cup ending at different times for different players, Erik ten Hag has had to struggle a lot with regards to playing certain players out of position.
One of the biggest concerns from the start was the fact that United would be without their starting central defenders, Raphael Varane and Lisandro MartÃnez, due to their participation in the final of the competition.
Midfielder Casemiro and left-back Luke Shaw have ably performed as central defenders with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof ill.
The curious case of Tuanzebe
If only there was an out of the box replacement waiting in the wings. Unless the fans have forgotten, United have Paris 2020 hero Axel Tuanzebe back in training.
Often seen in action during the reign of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, things fell apart last season after a disastrous loan spell at Serie A side Napoli, where he played a total of 130 minutes in six months.
The 25-year-old was supposed to make Ten Hag’s pre-season squad and even flew to Australia, but a mysterious injury forced him to return to Manchester without kicking a ball.
He has since recovered and is currently back in training and Tuanzebe will be hoping to somehow impress the Dutchman in a bid to earn some minutes playing for the first team.
He is currently in a precarious position as his contract with the Red Devils is set to expire in 2023 and the club shows no interest in extending his current contract.
*Tuanzebe transfer rumors* ???????????? Championship club Watford are interested in signing Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe on loan, as agent Jon Smith has said via CaughtOffside. #ManUnited #MUFC #ManUtd #ManchesterUnited #MUMUfootball pic.twitter.com/eXEWCqBsSs
– MUMU Football (@MUMUfootball) January 4, 2023
However, agent Jon Smith has exclusively told CaughtOffside that the Bunia-born centre-back could be up for another loan move, this time to a Championship club.
“Axel Tuabzebe is worth paying attention to in this window. He has just returned to Man United from his loan in Italy and is well on his way to regaining fitness.
Watford want Axel on loan
“I know he’s back in training and being tested, so it’s just a case of whether Erik Ten Hag wants him for a first-team place or whether he’d rather see him go on loan again.
“Of course, the player himself will have to continue demonstrating his physical condition, but there are several interested clubs, mostly from the Championship. However, Watford is a side that is interested.”
The best course of action will be for Tuanzebe to try and find a club where he can get regular minutes.
He is a good defender and can do a lot in the game if he stays fit and the fans will also have good memories of his time at United.
United Matchday Magazine – Stay on top of everything in the red. Still itching for more United content? Get everything you need right here. For just £1.25 per issue / £3.75 per month, you’ll receive unique United information, delivered directly to your inbox, before every game and throughout the month.
Get exclusive preparation for every game, plus team news, tactics and history. Not only that – United Matchday is packed with articles, news, transfer news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Impress your friends and stay on top of everything in red!
