Axel Tuanzebe, the man who pocketed Kylian Mbappe in Paris. With that performance, Manchester United fans thought they had the next great English defender on their hands, but since then he's fallen out of the spotlight's glare.
His initial loan to Aston Villa had enhanced his reputation, but his second spell with the Midlands side did not go to plan. Tuanzebe's brother, Dimitri, told ESPN : "I have a lot of mixed emotions when it comes to Axel's time at Villa. He is loved by the fans as he contributed highly to the club's success in the Championship where he was one of the key players that helped Villa return to the Premier League.
"However, following the arrival of Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, it felt as if the rivalry between Man United and Liverpool came to life."
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Tuanzebe made nine appearances and hoped to improve on this with his next loan. But his next temporary move to Napoli was even more disastrous and probably has set his career back significantly.
He only played 130 minutes in the Serie A split across two appearances and then never played again for the Italian side. In many ways, the loan was yet another example of United's poor form when it comes to player development and using the loan market.
Now upon his return to Old Trafford, he seems to have been left in no man's land. There is no indication that he is part of Erik ten Hag's long-term plans or that he'll be given a chance to prove himself during pre-season, nor are there any reports that he is set to be moved on or loaned out next summer.
With Eric Bailly and Phil Jones expected to be moved on there could be an opportunity for Tuanzebe to become the fourth choice centre back at United and stake his claim in the side with a lot of fixture congestion this season thanks to the World Cup. But United have been linked with moves for Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax so it seems likely that his pathway would be blocked.
Tuanzebe seems undeterred, with the player recently posting an image of his how he has gotten in shape ahead of the new season. But United fans will have to wait and see whether the English defender will be plying his trade at Old Trafford next season or elsewhere as Ten Hag looks to make changes to the current squad.
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