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Rio Ferdinand believes that Axel Tuanzebe should now be Manchester United’s first choice after the defender’s brilliant performance against Paris-Saint Germain.
Tuanzebe stood out against one of the best attacking forces in the world when United opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes.
The 22-year-old last played for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team in December last year when he played Colchester in the Carabao Cup.
But playing in a new look back three on Tuesday, he surpassed Kylian Mbappé, matching the fast PSG striker on pace in two games and putting up a particularly heavy challenge to deny the World Cup winner.
United have struggled defensively this season, with Harry Maguire below average in the opening games, while the role alongside him in central defense has been at stake between Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
And Red Devils legend Ferdinand believes Solskjaer should keep up with Tuanzebe’s pace, athleticism and awareness, especially with Maguire and Bailly currently injured.
“This is where United have struggled in the last six to 12 months, chasing players on those channels,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“They can’t stay with them and open all four butts, all three butts. But here, he was smelling danger.
“Ole just said that they are two of the best forwards in the world. He eliminated the danger many times and you have to reward performances like that at a time of injury.
(Image: BT Sport)
“Once again, the first game in 10 months and by coming in and playing like this from the cold, you deserve to be rewarded.”
Owen Hargreaves agreed and said that Tuanzebe had proven his worth by winning his battles with Mbappé.
“He’s not slipping off the side, if you have so much athleticism in these positions,” said the former United midfielder.
Goalkeeper David de Gea also praised Tuanzebe, saying that the central midfielder’s performance showed that United had found a player for the big games.
(Image: YOAN VALAT / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock)
That could come in handy, with matches against Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Arsenal and Everton before the next international break.
“It was amazing today,” De Gea told MUTV.
“He played against two of the best players in the world in Neymar and Mbappé, so he did very, very well. I am very happy for him.
“He has been in difficult moments with injuries but now he has shown today that he is capable of playing important games.”
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