manchester united news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd defender Axel Tuanzebe subjected to sick racist abuse for second time in 10 days after Everton draw

      by

      AXEL TUANZEBE suffered sick racist abuse once again after Manchester United’s 3-3 draw with Everton.
      United led 2-0 and later 3-2 at Old Trafford but Dominic Calvert-Lewin salvaged a point with the last kick of the game.

      Axel Tuanzebe suffered sick racist abuse once again after Manchester United’s draw with EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Racist abuse Axel Tuanzebe received online

      Defender Tuanzebe was brought on late on with United 3-2 up but could not help preserve the lead, giving Manchester rivals City a huge boost ahead of their trip to Anfield.
      Following the result, Tuanzebe’s Instagram account was flooded with racist comments – the second time the centre-back has received abuse of this type in the last ten days.
      The 23-year-old was the victim of similar comments after United’s 2-1 defeat to relegation strugglers Sheffield United, with the Blades’ late winner coming via a Tuanzebe deflection.
      His team-mates Marcus Rashford, 23, and Anthony Martial, 25, also reported racist abuse after that game.

      Greater Manchester Police confirmed they will launch an investigation into the posts sent to the players, while the Premier League club has offered support.
      Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger also revealed he was targeted with racist abuse and claimed social media companies are profiting from the unacceptable messages.
      Rudiger, 27, said: “To be very honest, I don’t know about all these social media things.
      “Because at the end of the day, if more people are making accounts, I think they make money off it.

      “So, me personally, I don’t think these people care. For, as you know, this money has power. And the rest doesn’t matter.
      “It’s hard to tell if people will make a change on that. I feel sorry for that.
      “But I feel more sorry for people who are not strong enough, it really affects them this type of stuff.
      “Of course it affects me in a way too but for me, it’s just to think people are not normal. People are, sorry to say, stupid.”
      Rudiger’s team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi, 20, criticised social media firms for not considering monkey emojis aimed at players racist.
      He told beIN Sports: “If somebody puts for example, a monkey emoji towards a player – why is that?
      “How is a player a monkey? What does that mean to a player?
      “So for us seeing stuff like that it always makes us angry. Are you saying that because of our skin colour? Because of the colour that we are?

      Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger opened up on suffering racial abuseCredit: Reuters
      “Or are you just saying that because you just want to be, you think that you’re funny or you want to get a laugh out of people?
      “No one laughs at that sort of situation. All of us take that personally as a team and as players. We have to do something about it.”
      Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea and England team-mate Reece James, 21, recently reported racial abuse directed at him online.
      Blues owner Roman Abramovich then sent a letter to every player at the club condemning the messages and offering support.
      SunSport revealed football clubs are to hold talks about staging a WEEK-LONG boycott of social media.
      Southampton teenager Alexandre Jankewitz, 19, received abuse after being sent off on his league debut with the Saints later losing 9-0 at United.
      Hampshire Police launched an investigation earlier this week into the posts.
      One man was arrested last week for the racial abuse of West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers following their recent 5-0 loss to City.

      Sheffield Utd vs Chelsea – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea enter transfer race for Jadon Sancho with Dortmund resigned to losing him to Prem giant as Man Utd circle

      by

      CHELSEA are set to rival Manchester United in the transfer racefor Jadon Sancho, reports say.
      The forward was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer but United refused to meet Dortmund’s £108million price-tag.

      Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sancho remained in Germany where he has managed eight goals in 25 appearances.
      It has kept demand for the 20-year-old high, with Chelsea now interested in a move for the winger, according to Sport1.
      They report Dortmund have accepted they will finally lose Sancho in the next window, likely to a Premier League side.
      German outfit Bild recently revealed the Bundesliga club will let him leave if they receive an offer in the region of £88m.

      The coronavirus pandemic is having a brutal financial impact on football and clubs are being forced to lower their prices for their main assets.
      Dortmund are believed to be facing losses of £66m and the sale of Sancho would help cover the debts.
      The England international will also be another year closer to the end of his contract in Germany which expires in the summer of 2023.
      Sancho scored 17 goals in 32 league matches on the way to becoming one of the hottest properties in Europe last season.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      But he has suffered a dip in form this Bundesliga campaign, scoring just three times.
      As a result, it is believed to have contributed in his price tag being sliced to £88m.
      United remain interested in Sancho despite signing Amad Diallo in a deal set to total £37m.

      Chelsea handed transfer boost as Dortmund star and Manchester United target Jadon Sancho reveals he grew up a Blues fan More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd wonderkid Shola Shoretire, 17, is the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and snubbed Barcelona and Juventus to sign new deal

      by

      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he reportedly signed his first professional deal.

      Shola Shoretire has reportedly signed a professional deal with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There was talk last year that the promising youngster had already signed a pre-contract to turn professional with the club when he was just 16.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has got some Old Trafford big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.
      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.

      It’s testament to his ability that United are already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of 10 from Newcastle, and has blossomed since his arrival.
      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.

      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has a good chance in joining first teamers Rashford and McTominay if he plays his cards right – with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer alerted to his ability.
      And then, surely, international honours could follow.

      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 16, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could represent can wait for now.
      But his first step is to conquer United.

      Man Utd seal deadline-day transfer as young Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri joins from Penarol More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      The biggest wins in Premier League history, after Man Utd’s 9-0 rout of Southampton, including Chelsea and Tottenham

      by

      RUTHLESS.
      Manchester United showed how lethal they can be by putting Southampton to the sword in Tuesday night’s 9-0 win.

      The scoreboard spells out Southampton’s misery in their 9-0 defeat to Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated Press

      It’s the not the first time the Red Devils have been in ninth heaven, thrashing Ipswich Town in 1995. Southampton also have previous when it comes to shipping in nine goals in a game.
      And while an encounter between Portsmouth and Reading in 2007 is the highest scoring Premier League game of all time, a 7-4 win for Pompey, we’re celebrating biggest winning margins.
      Here’s seven mega wins that have stayed in the memory.
      MAN UTD 9-0 IPSWICH TOWN, 1995
      Incredibly, United scored six times in an astonishing second half against strugglers Ipswich during the 1994-95 season.

      Andy Cole was in prolific form, netting five of the nine as Sir Alex Ferguson looked on in glee.
      But United finished runners-up to Blackburn that season, predictably Ipswich finished rock bottom and were relegated.

      Andy Cole celebrates his second goal in the 9-0 rout of IpswichCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SOUTHAMPTON 0-9 LEICESTER, 2019
      Under Brendan Rodgers Leicester City have been championed for their free-flowing football.
      And with Jamie Vardy in their side, they’re always going to score lots of goals.

      The former England international netted a hat-trick as they thrashed the Saints 9-0, while Ayoze Perez also shared the match ball with his fellow forward.

      Jamie Vardy was in inspired form in Leicester’s 9-0 win over SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      TOTTENHAM 9-1 WIGAN, 2009
      Like Andy Cole, Jermain Defoe put in a five star (or goal) performance against the Latics.
      Amazingly though, all his five goals were scored in the second half of Wigan’s embarrassing 9-1 defeat at White Hart Lane.
      Luck for Wigan they finished six points clear of relegation, if they were level their goal difference would’ve cost them because it was the worst in the league thanks to this defeat.

      Tottenham destroyed Wigan in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      NEWCASTLE 8-0 SHEFFIELD WED, 1999
      This wasn’t even in the era of Kevin Keegan’s entertainers either.
      But they did have a steady hand in Sir Bobby Robson, who loved building an attacking team.
      And with Alan Shearer leading the line, they thrashed a sorry Owls team – with the England legend scoring five times.

      Alan Shearer scored five times against a sorry Sheffield Wednesday team in 1999Credit: PA:Press Association
      CHELSEA 8-0 WIGAN, 2010
      Like Southampton, Wigan have a penchant for a Premier League tonking.
      And this 8-0 capitulation happened remarkably the same season they lost at Spurs 9-1.
      A Didier Drogba hat-trick, two from Nicolas Anelka, and one each from Frank Lampard, Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole bumped up the scoreline as the Blues lifted the Premier League title.

      Ashley Cole, one of Chelsea’s scorers in the 8-0 rout of Wigan, lifts the Premier League title after thrashing the LaticsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SOUTHAMPTON 8-0 SUNDERLAND, 2014
      This must’ve sent those stalwart Mackem fans on the Sunderland Till I Die documentary potty.
      But at least it reminds them they were a Premier League outfit once upon a time.
      Southampton stuffed them 8-0 under Ronald Koeman, and ended up recording a decent campaign finishing 7th and qualifying for the Europa League.

      Jacks Cork beats Vito Mannone of Sunderland to score the third goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      MAN CITY 8-0 WATFORD, 2019
      In what was a football masterclass from Pep Guardiola’s side, the Hornets were torn apart by a rampant City in 2019.
      Inside the first 18 minutes, they were 5-0 up – with Kevin de Bruyne pulling the strings.
      It was Watford’s biggest defeat in English football.
      A season earlier, don’t forget, they were ripped apart again by City in the FA Cup final losing 6-0.

      Watford’s stars were left humiliated after an 8-0 beating at Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 300 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd kid Joe Hugill, 17, is 6ft 2in striker likened to Harry Kane and tipped by Solskjaer to play in the first team

      by

      MESSI, Salah, Maradona… Joe Hugill is in good company.
      Like those star forwards, the Manchester United wonderkid is blessed with a magical left foot capable of hurting the opposition.

      Joe Hugill scored the winning penalty – with his right foot – against Rochdale in the EFL TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It’s one reason why the Red Devils paid Sunderland £300,000 for the 17-year-old in 2020.
      Hugill impressed earlier this season with United’s U21 team in an EFL Trophy win over Rochdale, coming close when he hit the woodwork and scoring the winning penalty (with his right foot) in a shootout after the sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.
      The 6ft 2in star showed he is a capable target man – as comfortable receiving the ball on the deck as he is leaping for a long ball in the air.
      And boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now revealed Hugill is closer to a first team start than £36million signing Amad Diallo, after dazzling with four goals in a 6-3 win over Liverpool for the U23 side.

      Asked whether Diallo was pushing for his chance, the Norwegian responded: “We’re going to give him the time to settle in.
      “If we go from that game [vs Liverpool], I’d pick Joe Hugill.
      “Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development.”
      Here’s why the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quick to secure Hugill’s services, beating off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

      A TRUE MACKEM
      Born and bred in Sunderland, Hugill spent his entire youth career at his boyhood club.
      In recent years, the Black Cats have produced an incredible array of talent.
      England goalie Jordan Pickford and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have risen to the top after coming through the ranks in the North East.
      Josh Maja made waves in the Sunderland first team before he was signed by Bordeaux, where he thrived in France before joining Fulham in the most recent transfer window.

      Hugill was born and bred in Sunderland

      Last summer United paid Sunderland £300,000 for Hugill’s servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Sam Greenwood earned rave reviews for Arsenal’s youth sides, after joining the Gunners in 2018 from the EFL League One side, and recently earned a £3million move to Leeds United.
      Like those mentioned, Hugill shone at the ‘Academy of Light’, playing for both the U18s and U23s.
      TECHNICALLY SOUND
      First thing you’ll notice about Hugill’s game is his touch.
      When the ball is played to feet it sticks, and he’s able to bring others into the game with his link-up play.
      But there’s also goals to his game too.
      On his Premier League 2 debut, with Sunderland rock bottom of the table, he scored twice against West Ham in a 4-2 defeat.
      Hugill also scored a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Youth Cup – alerting scouts to his abilities.

      At 6ft 2in Hugill offers a presence in the boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill boasts similarities to Harry KaneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill impressed in the EFL Trophy win over RochdaleCredit: Rex Features
      Although more slight in build, he has been compared to England hotshot Harry Kane in terms of his style of play.
      He’s not blessed with pace, but he certainly knows where the goal is.
      UNITED’S YOUTH PUSH
      Hugill is seen as one for the future by Nicky Butt, now head of first team development, but was formerly overseeing their youth set-up.

      The graduate of the ‘Class of ’92’ oversaw the arrivals of Tahith Chong, Charlie McCann, France youth stars Aliou Traore and Hannibal Mejbri, Arnau Puigmal, and Largie Ramazani in that role, until Nick Cox took over the reigns last year.
      And with his recommendation, Hugill was added to that list of promising youngsters.
      Perhaps the class of 2020 can be just as impressive as Beckham, the Nevilles, Scholes and Co in years to come.

      Man Utd fans demand Ed Woodward get out of the club after Rio Ferdinand reveals story of his brutal exit More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney raids Man Utd for youngster Teden Mengi as Derby sign defender, 18, on loan transfer until end of season

      by

      DERBY COUNTY have completed the loan signing of Teden Mengi from Manchester United.
      Wayne Rooney, who became permanent Derby boss in January, has bolstered his defence by turning to old mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer..

      Mengi has signed on loan at the Rams until the end of the seasonCredit: Rex Features

      The teenager grinned ear-to-ear upon sealing his moveCredit: Rex Features

      Having joined until the end of the season, Mengi told Rams TV: “I’m really excited and I’m buzzing to be here.
      “When I first heard Derby County were interested, it was a no-brainer for me to be in the Championship against good opponents and to be playing men’s football. I am really happy to be here.
      “I think I did well in the Under-23s last season so I think I need a new challenge. I am a fighter with a willingness to defend and a ball-playing centre-back and vocal as well. I am ready to kick on and this is a brilliant opportunity for me.”
      Mengi, 18, also admitted that Rooney played a big part in attracting him to the Rams.

      He continued: “He has been brilliant.
      “As soon as I found out Derby were interested, Wayne was on the phone. He was telling me what the club is about and what he wants from me. He has been brilliant with me so far.”
      On the nature of the move, the highly-rated defender added: “They tell you the situation and ask you how you feel about it. At the end of the day, it is down to the player to make the decision.
      “I did have the conversations with the coaches and they thought this would be brilliant for me and brilliant for my development as I am still young in the game, but I will try to thrive for more.”

      ⚽ Read our DEADLINE DAY BLOG for the very latest transfer news

      Mengi made his Man United senior debut last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The move comes with the Championship side in the midst of financial concerns while they wait for a takeover by Sheikh Khaled’s Derventio Holdings to go through.
      Rooney is said to have stepped in to help the Rams out by deferring a portion of his £90,000-a-week wages to ensure his players get paid.
      Derby sit 18th in the table having won their last three matches.
      Mengi has been training regularly with United’s first team squad and made his debut in the Europa League against LASK last season.
      The Premier League title contenders have already cut short winger Tahith Chong’s loan at Werder Bremen so he can instead join Club Brugge.
      And in a similar move, James Garner ended his spell at Watford to move to Nottingham Forest.
      United have so far only made one signing this month, completing the £37million move for winger Amad Diallo from Atalanta.
      They have shipped out 12 players since the start of the season, however, including Jesse Lingard on loan to West Ham and releasing striker Odion Ighalo.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd vs Southampton – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta vows to bring passion back to Arsenal vs Man Utd after infamous no-holds barred clashes of years gone by

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA wants to bring the passion back into football’s feistiest fixture but admits the modern game simply won’t tolerate history repeating itself.
      Arsenal versus Manchester United was once renowned as the most fiercely contested match in the English calendar.

      Mikel Arteta wants to bring the passion back to Arsenal’s clashes with Man UtdCredit: Reuters

      Mikel Arteta spent five years as an Arsenal player and never featured on the winning side against Man UtdCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      From an infamous 21-man Old Trafford brawl to Keane vs Vieira in the old Highbury tunnel, this was a guaranteed clash of the titans with no holds barred.
      But things have calmed down considerably since Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger retired from the managerial ring.
      And now the two teams which once dominated the Premier League are fighting just to remain relevant in the modern era.
      Arteta spent five years as an Arsenal player and never featured on the winning side against United.

      But all the old animosities had gone by then and today’s encounter at an empty Emirates is sure to be played out in relative peace.
      Arteta admits: “It’s not only the Arsenal and Manchester United fixtures which have calmed down.
      “If you look at the way all the derbies used to get played, it’s not the same right now.
      “The game is evolving and we are educating the players in a different way.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Martin Keown confronts Ruud van Nistelrooy after his famous missed penalty in 2003’s ‘Battle of Old Trafford’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “For sure they are not allowed to get away with some of the things they used to do 20 years ago and with VAR that’s even less.
      “The game is much more controlled and policed these days so you know you can’t get away with certain things.”
      Yet the former midfielder who also competed in the Glasgow and Merseyside derbies believes there is still room in the modern game for a tribal mentality to exist.
      He says: “You need to have a passion to defend your position and show you much you want to succeed.
      “That’s part of a winning mentality, for sure. 
      “In the past this match was about desire because both teams were convinced they were better than the other side and much stronger than all the other teams in the League.

      Things have calmed down since Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger retired Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “They had the depth of squad and quality that meant that the other teams couldn’t get anywhere near them.
      “They knew they were the only two candidates to win the League and that is where the rivalry came from,
      “But that’s not happening now because there are six or seven teams who are capable of winning the title and that’s the difference to ten years ago.”
      It was back in October 1990 that this fixture first exploded when Arsenal were docked two points and United one following the mass-brawl which involved every single player but David Seaman.
      But it was when Wenger arrived to challenge Ferguson’s Premier League dominance that things really got heated.
      Martin Keown, Lauren, Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour were all banned while Christiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Cole were fined following an explosive Old Trafford clash in September 2003.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      The bitter rivals shared an explosive Old Trafford clash in September 2003Credit: Simon Wilkinson

      Patrick Viera and Roy Keane famously clashed… over and over
      A year later it all kicked off again when United ended Arsenal’s 48-match unbeaten League run in controversial fashion.
      Ferguson was hit by a flying pizza thrown by Cesc Fabregas and Ruud van Nistelrooy was handed a retrospective three-game ban.
      So tempers were already boiling over for the return match at Highbury in February 2005, when rival captains Keane and Vieira infamously clashed in the tunnel before the game had even kicked-off.
      But with Arteta and nice-guy Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now in the dug-outs, today’s meeting will be far more respectful.
      Arsenal will once again be without captain and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has missed training this week to be with his ill mother.
      But Arteta will otherwise name a full strength team after being condemned for rotating his squad during last week’s FA Cup defeat at Southampton.

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty beat Man Utd earlier in the seasonCredit: AFP or Licensors
      He said: “The criticism came because we lost the game and then people wanted to find a reason for that.
      “We made so many changes when we played at Anfield in the Carabao Cup but we beat Liverpool.
      “We went to Leicester in the next round and made a lot of changes and we beat them as well.
      “And we played in the Europa League and won all six games with a completely different team and suddenly everyone was saying those players needed a chance in the Premier League.
      “So I know I am not going to please everybody. Only if you win. If you don’t, these things are going to come back at you.
      “I don’t know what I would have done last week at Southampton if everyone was fit.
      “But I do know we didn’t make seven changes. Five players could not play that game to start with.”

      Martin Odegaard enjoys first training session with Arsenal More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe’s amazing journey, from arriving from Congo aged 4 to captaining Red Devils at every level

      by

      THE story of how Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe achieved his dream to play for the Premier League giants is truly inspiring.
      When he was just four, his parents left Congo for the UK in search of a better life for their family.

      Axel Tuanzebe’s remarkable rise is a story of courage and determinationCredit: Rex Features

      They settled in Rochdale, where a young Axel was unable to speak a word of English.
      However, the ambitious youngster was determined to make something of his life and support his family.
      He pushed himself through school, but his dream was to become a professional footballer – ever since he joined United’s Academy at the tender age of eight.
      Last October against PSG in the Champions League, Tuanzebe, now 23, produced a coming-of-age performance and kept Kylian Mbappe at bay.

      He is a man on a mission to succeed at Old Trafford.
      EARLY LIFE
      Tuanzebe was born in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but moved to England when his parents emigrated to the north.
      Football became his passion. Soon he was scouted by Manchester United and joined their youth set-up – just four years after arriving on our shores.
      Despite rising through the ranks at youth level, education was still very important to Tuanzebe, who understood he couldn’t just rely on his football.

      He attended St Cuthbert’s RC High School, where he captained the Year 7 football team to the final of the English National Schools Cup at Stamford Bridge in 2009

      Tuanzebe joined the Manchester United academy aged 8 after arriving from Congo four years earlierCredit: Instagram
      .

      That achievement earned the boy acknowledgement from the Mayor of Rochdale, who honoured him with a Sports Boy of the Year award.
      Tuanzebe was reportedly a model student and when it came to his exams, he passed his GCSE’s with flying colours with A grades.
      But his academic pursuits would take a back seat as his football took centre stage.
      A REAL LEADER
      In 2019, Tuanzebe achieved a remarkable feat.
      When he stepped out for United against Rochdale in a League Cup victory over Rochdale, he was wearing the captain’s armband – ahead of more experienced stars including Paul Pogba, Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard.
      Not only did he become the youngest player to captain the side since Norman Whiteside in 1985, aged 21.
      He also capped off a wonderful run of captaining Manchester United at EVERY single age level he’s played at.

      In 2019 Tuanzebe led his Manchester United team mates out as captain in a League Cup tie against RochdaleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Incredibly, Tuanzebe has captained Man Utd at every level he has played atCredit: AFP or licensors
      “Axel is a captain in the making, he’s a leader – why not give to young kids,” boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed to TalkSport after the game.
      “We know we can give it to Sergio 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.”
      COMING OF AGE
      After breaking into the United first team, making his debut against Wigan in a 4-0 FA Cup victory in 2017, he started his first senior match in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal four months later.
      But with chances limited, Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he became a promotion hero in 2019.
      He returned to Old Trafford – expected to push for a first team spot. A series of niggling injuries put pay to a limited run in the team, and he played just ten times in all competitions in 2019-20.

      Tuanzebe was a promotion hero for Dean Smiths Aston VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSG and didn’t give Kylian Mbappe an inchCredit: AFP or licensors
      However, it was on the biggest stage where he proved his undeniable quality.
      Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Tuanzebe put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in a Champions League game.
      After the match, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
      “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
      “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”
      HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
      Being a gifted footballer isn’t Tuanzebe’s only claim to fame. After all, he features in the Guinness Book of World Records.
      In 2018 he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a pre-season tour in Los Angeles.
      There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.

      Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

      The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
      He finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
      For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
      Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.
      ENGLAND STAR IN THE MAKING
      Although Tuanzebe is still eligible to play for Congo, it appears likely that he will choose to represent England.
      He began his international career in 2017, starring for the Three Lions U17 side against Mexico.
      That same year, Tuanzebe was a part of the U20 side that won all three matches at the Four Nations tournament.

      Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

      Now 23, Tuanzebe is ready to push for a place in United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In 2017, his rapid ascension at international level continued when he was capped by the U21 side against Ukraine.
      Gareth Southgate has been monitoring Tuanzebe closely, and should he get a sustained run in the United side he might just partner his United team mate Harry Maguire at the heart of England’s defence.
      That would be the icing on the cake for his astonishing rise.

      Cavani is deep in conversation with Tuanzebe before Man Utd’s win over PSG as fans joke he leaked inside information More