Axel Tuanzebe faces an uncertain summer as he prepares to return to Manchester United following a torrid time out on loan in Italy.
The defender had made the move to Napoli back in January, having had his loan spell at Aston Villa cut short after the arrival as Steven Gerrard as manager. It was hoped the 24-year-old would be able to gain more experience while in Serie A in order to ready him for his return to Old Trafford, but that patently has not been the case.
Tuanzebe has made just two appearances during his time at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, and has not played a single minute in the league since making the move in early January. A back issue ruled him out for a month before he made his return in March, but his spell with Napoli hit a new low at the weekend as he was left out of the squad entirely for their penultimate game of the season against Genoa.
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Having made 11 appearances for Villa prior to his move to Italy, it means the defender has endured a disappointing campaign, which will almost certainly place major doubt on his future at Old Trafford. With new manager Erik ten Hag arriving at United soon, Tuanzebe looks to have missed the chance to impress the incoming boss.
With a major overhaul in the offing this summer, could the academy graduate prove to be a wildcard for Ten Hag next season? Tuanzebe’s contract at Old Trafford runs until next year, with the club also holding the option of an extra year.
Eric Bailly and Phil Jones look likely to depart the club, having already informed their team-mates of their intentions, which would leave Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof as the club’s only senior centre-backs. United could target a new defender during the transfer window, but with plenty of other areas to address, they could be limited in their options.
With Varane having been in and out of the side throughout the season through injury, United may need an extra option in their ranks regardless of whether they make a new signing or not. Tuanzebe therefore could be in the running to step up to the squad for next season, even if it is just as back-up to his team-mates.
Tuanzebe could well benefit from Ten Hag arriving as the club’s permanent manager, with his agent having previously criticised his treatment from the club. Speaking to Radio Punto Nuovo back in January, Fabrizio Ferrari said: “I believe that Manchester United has made particular decisions for the growth of their young players. I don’t think they have a policy to improve their training. They are confusing in the management of players under contract. Tuanzebe has returned to these managerial changes.”
Next season could well be Tuanzebe’s last opportunity to stake a claim with United. With a new era being ushered in, he may still get that chance.
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