Manchester United’s summer transfer plans are already beginning to take shape with Erik ten Hag having identified five players to let go.
While United’s short-term focus is on finishing in the Premier League ’s top four - their Champions League qualification prospects were boosted with a win over Wolves at the weekend - Ten Hag is also making preparations as the Dutchman looks to rebuild his squad ahead of his second season in charge at Old Trafford.
At the top of the Red Devils’ list of transfer priorities is signing a new striker, while other positions such as goalkeeper and central midfield will be strengthened. But there is also set to be a number of outgoings at the club.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has already decided the first five players who will depart. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are both out of contract and will leave on free transfers.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland midfielder Ethan Galbraith, 20-year-old midfielder Charlie Wellens and academy goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny - who have all been out on loan this season - will not be offered new deals.
In Tuanzebe’s case, it is an example of what looked to be a promising United career fizzling out to nothing. The former England youth international was earmarked as a player with high potential as he made his way through the ranks at Carrington.
Tuanzebe was even picked out as potential captain material by both Harry Maguire - whose own future as club captain is uncertain - and former United manager and forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“We have a lot of leaders in the dressing room, a lot of senior pros,” Maguire said in 2021. “And you don’t have to be a senior pro to be a leader. Axel is a leader, in the ways that he works and speaks in the dressing room.
“And he’s only a young boy, he’s still learning his trade. I’m sure he’ll go on to have an unbelievable career."
Solskjaer made Tuanzebe United’s youngest skipper in over 30 years when he was given the armband for a Carabao Cup tie against Rochdale.
Speaking after handing him the honour in 2019, Solskjaer told talkSPORT: “Axel is a captain in the making, he's a leader. Why not give it to young kids? How does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it. It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him.”
A year later, Tuanzebe was showcasing his talents on this biggest stage of all. Solskjaer entrusted the centre-back with his first Champions League start away against Paris Saint-Germain - his first appearance in 10 months.
Tuanzebe was outstanding, helping to contain Kylian Mbappe as United secured a 2-1 victory. He was awarded a nine out of 10 in the post-match player ratings.
“I’m pleased for him,” said Solskjaer. “Now, it’s about getting consistency in his performances, he’s got to stay injury-free but I think he can kick on, he’s a leader.
“He can play right-back, centre-back, midfield. He’s a boy who takes responsibility for his own development and he’s doing everything he can to have a long career at United and get that consistency.”
But Tuanzebe has just 18 United appearances to his name since that memorable evening in the French capital. Injuries stunted his progress and the 25-year-old has spent much of his time, when fit, out on loan.
He most recently spent time at Stoke City in the Championship having previously had temporary spells at Napoli and a second stint at Aston Villa. Those loan moves came after he signed a new two-year contract with the Red Devils in 2021.
Tuanzebe’s last competitive appearance for United came almost two years ago - when he made a four-minute cameo as a substitute in the agonising penalty shootout defeat to Villareal in the Europa League final.
Stoke are reported to be weighing up a permanent move to sign Tuanzebe this summer, offering him the chance to rebuild a career which once looked to heading in a very different direction.
