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Manchester United kicked off their Champions League campaign in style with a 2-1 win over Paris-Saint Germain, with David de Gea calling one of his teammates “amazing”.
Marcus Rashford scored a late-game winning goal at Parc des Princes after Bruno Fernandes, who was captain for the night, saw his first goal disallowed by an own goal from Anthony Martial.
But it was Axel Tuanzebe who won applause from goalkeeper De Gea after a brilliant performance by the 22-year-old in his first game for United in 10 months.
Tuanzebe last played for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team in a Caraboa Cup clash against Colchester in December last year.
But with center-backs Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly injured, Solskjaer relied on Tuanzebe in the face of a world-class attack with Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Angel di Maria.
(Image: YOAN VALAT / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock)
Tuanzebe, returning from injury, played on three defenses alongside Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw.
And he used his pace and athleticism to match the speedy Mbappé, keeping the World Cup winner in check, including an excellent tackle in particular.
“It was amazing today,” De Gea told MUTV about Tuanzebe.
“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.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“He has been in difficult moments with injuries but now he has shown today that he is capable of playing important games.”
United’s legendary center midfielder Rio Ferdinand was watching from BT Sport’s studios and said Tuanzebe must keep his place following his contribution to United’s victory in Group H
“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.
(Image: BT Sport)
“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.
“Once again, the first game in 10 months and by coming in and playing like this from the cold, you deserve to be rewarded.”
Tuanzebe will look forward to another starting role when Solskjaer’s side host Chelsea at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.
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