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Axel Tuanzebe

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Axel Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe playing forManchester Unitedin 2021
Personal information
Full name Axel Tuanzebe[1]
Date of birth (1997-11-14)14 November 1997(age 26)[2]
Place of birth Bunia,DR Congo
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[3]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Ipswich Town
Number 40
Youth career
2006–2015 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015–2023 Manchester United 19 (0)
2018 →Aston Villa(loan) 5 (0)
2018–2019 →Aston Villa(loan) 25 (0)
2021–2022 →Aston Villa(loan) 9 (0)
2022 →Napoli(loan) 1 (0)
2023 →Stoke City(loan) 4 (0)
2023– Ipswich Town 18 (0)
International career‡
2016 England U19 2 (0)
2016–2017 England U20 9 (0)
2017 England U21 1 (0)
2024– DR Congo 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:44, 4 May 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21:38, 6 June 2024 (UTC)

Axel Tuanzebe(born 14 November 1997) is a Congolese professionalfootballerwho plays as adefenderforPremier LeagueclubIpswich Townand theDR Congo national team.

Tuanzebe is a graduate of theManchester United youth systemand won both theJimmy Murphy Young Player of the Yearand Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year awards. He made his competitive debut in anFA Cupgame againstWigan Athleticin January 2017. He has had three spells on loan atAston Villaand helped them to win promotion to the Premier League in 2019. After spending time withNapoliin 2022 andStoke Cityin 2023, he was released by Manchester United at the end of the 2022–23 season.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tuanzebe relocated to England at a young age and represented England atunder-19,under-20andunder-21levels, before opting to represent the DR Congo senior team in 2024.

Club career[edit]

Manchester United[edit]

Early years[edit]

Tuanzebe playing forManchester Unitedin 2017

Tuanzebe was associated with theManchester United academyfrom the age of eight.[4]He was captain of theMilk Cupwinning youth side in 2014.[5]In May 2015, Tuanzebe won theJimmy Murphy Young Player of the Yearaward.[6]Academy coachPaul McGuinnessnoted that Tuanzebe was likely the first first-year scholar to captain the under-18 side sinceGary Neville.[7]

On 31 October 2015, at the age of 17, Tuanzebe was named on the substitutes bench for a match againstCrystal Palacein thePremier League,the first time he had been a member of a first-team matchday squad.[8][9]

2016–17 season[edit]

On 29 January 2017, Tuanzebe made his Manchester United debut as a 68th-minute substitute, replacingTimothy Fosu-Mensahduring a 4–0FA Cupvictory overWigan AthleticatOld Trafford.[10]Four days later, he extended his contract at Manchester United until 2020, with the option of a further year.[11]On 7 May 2017, Tuanzebe started a senior match for the first time, in a 2–0 defeat againstArsenalin the Premier League.[12]He won theDenzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Yearaward in May 2017.[13]

2017–18 season[edit]

Tuanzebe made his first start of the season againstSwansea Cityin theEFL Cupon 24 October 2017, playing a key part in the second goal of the 2–0 victory.[14]On 5 December 2017, he made his European debut in a 2–1 victory overCSKA Moscowin theUEFA Champions League.[15]

Loans to Aston Villa[edit]

On 25 January 2018, Tuanzebe joinedChampionshipsideAston Villaonloanfor the remainder of the season.[16]However, due to injury problems he was only able to make five appearances before returning to Manchester United.[17]In August 2018, after going on United's pre-season tour to the United States, he joined Aston Villa on loan again for the2018–19 season.[18]On 27 May 2019, he played the full 90 minutes as Villa achieved promotion to the Premier League in the2019 EFL Championship play-off finalwith a victory overDerby Countyin the final.[19]

2019–20 season[edit]

In July 2019, Tuanzebe signed a new contract with Manchester United until June 2022, with an option for an additional year.[20]He became the youngest player to captain United sinceNorman Whitesidein 1985, during an EFL Cup victory againstRochdalein September 2019.[21]

2020–21 season[edit]

On 20 October 2020, Tuanzebe started his firstUEFA Champions Leaguematch in a 2–1 away win againstParis Saint-Germain.[22]He started his first league game of the season on 27 January 2021, in a 2–1 home defeat to eventual bottom-finishersSheffield United.

2021–22 season: Aston Villa & Napoli loans[edit]

After a couple of displays for Manchester United in pre season friendlies, including a 4–2 away defeat atQueens Park Rangers,on 8 August 2021, Tuanzebe signed a new two-year contract with Manchester United, with the option of an extra year; that day, he also agreed to rejoin Aston Villa on loan for the 2021–22 season, his third loan spell with the club.[23][24]On 8 January 2022, Tuanzebe was recalled from his Aston Villa loan, and loaned toSerie AteamNapoli.[25][26]

2022–23 season: Stoke City loan[edit]

On 31 January 2023, Tuanzebe joinedStoke Cityon loan for the remainder of the2022–23 season.[27]Tuanzebe's time at Stoke was restricted by injury, making five appearances.[28]

Ipswich Town[edit]

On 8 September 2023, Tuanzebe signed forEFL ChampionshipsideIpswich Townon an initial 12-month contract.[29]On 3 June 2024, Ipswich announced they had extended his contract by 12 months.[30]

International career[edit]

Tuanzebe is eligible to represent England or the Democratic Republic of the Congo at international level.[31]He has played youth international football for England atunder-19,under-20andunder-21levels.[32]

Tuanzebe began his international career in June 2016, when he made his first appearance for England at under-19 level, against Mexico.[33]He was a member of the England under-20 squad which won all three matches at the Four Nations tournament in October 2016.[34]Tuanzebe was withdrawn from selection for the2017 FIFA U-20 World Cupdue to club commitments.[35]

On 10 November 2017, Tuanzebe made his debut for England at under-21 level, againstUkraine.[36]

In December 2023, Tuanzebe was pre-called up by theDR Congo national teamfor the2023 Africa Cup of Nations.[37]

Tuanzebe made his debut for theDR Congo national teamon 6 June 2024 in aWorld Cup qualifieragainstSenegalat theDiamniadio Olympic Stadium.He played the full match as the game ended in a 1–1 draw.[38]

Style of play[edit]

Tuanzebe's preferred position is atcentre-back,but he can also play as aright-back,and has featured as aholding midfielder.[39][40]His playing style has been compared to that of his former Manchester United teammateEric Baillyand formerSpaininternationalJavi Martínez.[41]Tuanzebe's performance on his first-team debut in a friendly against Wigan Athletic in July 2016 led managerJosé Mourinhoto remark, "10 minutes is enough! The potential is there, you see it immediately."[42]

Personal life[edit]

Tuanzebe was born inBunia,in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2]He immigrated to England with his family at the age of four.[43]He attendedSt Cuthbert's RC High SchoolinRochdaleand captained the Year 7 football team to the final of the English National Schools Cup atStamford Bridgein 2009.[44]In the same year, he was awarded Sports Boy of the Year by the Mayor of Rochdale.[44]He also represented his school in cross-country and triple-jump.[44]He is the younger brother of ex-Clitheroestriker Dimitri Tuanzebe.[45]

In July 2018, he broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to individually clear a game ofHungry Hungry Hippos,while in Los Angeles on Manchester United's pre-season tour.[46][47]

Career statistics[edit]

Club[edit]

As of match played 4 May 2024[2]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester United 2015–16[48] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2016–17[49] Premier League 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
2017–18[50] Premier League 1 0 0 0 1 0 1[c] 0 0 0 3 0
2018–19[51] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2019–20[52] Premier League 5 0 0 0 2 0 3[d] 0 — 10 0
2020–21[2] Premier League 9 0 1 0 1 0 8[e] 0 — 19 0
2021–22[53] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2022–23[54] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 19 0 2 0 4 0 12 0 0 0 37 0
Aston Villa(loan) 2017–18[50] Championship 5 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 5 0
2018–19[51] Championship 25 0 0 0 2 0 — 3[f] 0 30 0
2021–22[53] Premier League 9 0 0 0 2 0 — — 11 0
Total 39 0 0 0 4 0 — 3 0 46 0
Napoli(loan) 2021–22[53] Serie A 1 0 1 0 — 0 0 — 2 0
Stoke City(loan) 2022–23[54] Championship 4 0 1 0 — — — 5 0
Ipswich Town 2023–24[2] Championship 18 0 2 1 1 0 — — 21 1
Career total 81 0 6 1 9 0 12 0 3 0 111 1
  1. ^IncludesFA CupandCoppa Italia
  2. ^IncludesEFL Cup
  3. ^Appearance inUEFA Champions League
  4. ^Appearances inUEFA Europa League
  5. ^Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^Appearances inChampionship play-offs

International[edit]

As of match played 6 June 2024[55]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
DR Congo 2024 1 0
Total 1 0

Honours[edit]

Manchester United

Aston Villa

Ipswich Town

Individual

References[edit]

  1. ^"2020/21 Premier League squads confirmed".Premier League. 20 October 2020.Retrieved23 October2020.
  2. ^abcdeAxel Tuanzebeat Soccerway. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  3. ^Luckhurst, Samuel (29 January 2017)."Who is Axel Tuanzebe? Manchester United youngster in profile as he makes debut vs Wigan".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved29 January2017.
  4. ^"Axel Tuanzebe player profile page".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved23 October2020.
  5. ^"4 Manchester United youngsters who look destined for the first team".FourFourTwo. 16 November 2016.Retrieved23 October2020.
  6. ^abMathieson, Stuart (19 May 2015)."David de Gea: I love Manchester United colleagues and fans are best in the world".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved23 October2020.
  7. ^"Who is Axel Tuanzebe? Profile of Manchester United youngster on loan with Aston Villa".Manchester Evening News. 15 March 2018.Retrieved23 October2020.
  8. ^Magowan, Alistair (31 October 2015)."Crystal Palace 0–0 Manchester United".BBC Sport.Retrieved29 January2017.
  9. ^"Manchester United manager Van Gaal explains why he named Tuanzebe in Crystal Palace squad".Manchester Evening News. 7 November 2015.Retrieved23 October2020.
  10. ^"Manchester United 4–0 Wigan Athletic".BBC Sport.29 January 2017.Retrieved29 January2017.
  11. ^"Axel Tuanzebe signs new Manchester United contract".Sky Sports. 2 February 2017.Retrieved2 February2017.
  12. ^Lovett, Samuel (8 May 2017)."Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe 'chuffed' after making full debut and taking on Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez".The Independent.London.Retrieved14 May2017.
  13. ^abLuckhurst, Samuel (18 May 2017)."Manchester United player Ander Herrera wins Player of the Year award".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved19 May2017.
  14. ^Pritchard, Dafydd (24 October 2017)."Swansea City 0–2 Manchester United".BBC Sport.Retrieved30 October2017.
  15. ^Shamoon, Hafez."Manchester United 2–1 CSKA Moscow".BBC Sport.Retrieved30 September2019.
  16. ^"Villa sign Man Utd defender Tuanzebe".BBC Sport.25 January 2018.Retrieved25 January2018.
  17. ^"Axel Tuanzebe: Aston Villa re-sign Manchester United defender on loan".BBC Sport. 6 August 2018.Retrieved23 October2020.
  18. ^"Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe joins Aston Villa on loan".Sky Sports. 6 August 2018.Retrieved23 October2020.
  19. ^abWoodcock, Ian (27 May 2019)."Aston Villa 2–1 Derby County".BBC Sport.Retrieved23 October2020.
  20. ^"Manchester United: Andreas Pereira and Axel Tuanzebe sign new contracts".BBC Sport. 5 July 2019.Retrieved23 October2020.
  21. ^"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why Axel Tuanzebe captained Manchester United".Manchester Evening News. 26 September 2019.Retrieved23 October2020.
  22. ^"Why Axel Tuanzebe's performance in Paris should not come as a surprise".The Independent.21 October 2020.Retrieved31 January2021.
  23. ^Robinson, Harry (8 August 2021)."Tuanzebe signs new deal and goes on loan".ManUtd.com.Manchester United.Retrieved8 August2021.
  24. ^"Aston Villa re-sign Tuanzebe on loan"– via www.bbc.co.uk.
  25. ^"Il Napoli ufficializza l'arrivo di Tuanzebe con la formula del prestito".sscnapoli.it(in Italian). S.S.C. Napoli. 8 January 2022.Retrieved8 January2022.
  26. ^"New loan move for Tuanzebe".ManUtd.com.Manchester United. 8 January 2022.Retrieved8 January2022.
  27. ^"Tuanzebe makes it five".Stoke City.Retrieved1 February2023.
  28. ^"Easy Man United contract decision is complicated one for Stoke City".Stoke Sentinel.Retrieved10 May2023.
  29. ^"Town sign Tuanzebe".Ipswich Town F.C. 8 September 2023.Retrieved8 September2023.
  30. ^FC, Ipswich Town (3 June 2024)."RETAINED LIST CONFIRMED".Ipswich Town FC.Retrieved6 June2024.
  31. ^"Bolasie & Abraham can fire Aston Villa back to the Premier League".ESPN. 14 September 2018.Retrieved23 October2020.
  32. ^"Axel Tuanzebe".besoccer.com.Retrieved1 February2023.
  33. ^Marshall, Adam (7 June 2016)."Tuanzebe primed for first international tournament with England".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved29 January2017.
  34. ^"England Under-20s win mini-tournament after 2–0 win over USA".The Football Association. 10 October 2016.Retrieved29 January2017.
  35. ^"Man United's Axel Tuanzebe left out of England U20 World Cup squad".ESPN. 8 May 2017.Retrieved14 April2018.
  36. ^"Ukraine U21 0–2 England U21".BBC Sport.10 November 2017.Retrieved14 April2018.
  37. ^"AFCON 2023 - PROVISIONAL SQUADS LIST"(PDF).p. 11.
  38. ^"Senegal v DR Congo game report".ESPN. 6 June 2024.
  39. ^Ducker, James (9 May 2017)."Axel Tuanzebe out of England U-20 squad as Mourinho wants him to play more for Man Utd".The Daily Telegraph.London.Retrieved14 May2017.
  40. ^Marshall, Adam (25 May 2017)."Axel Tuanzebe is coming of age at United".Manchester United F.C.Retrieved30 October2017.
  41. ^Tighe, Sam (14 September 2016)."Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe Has Hallmarks of Eric Bailly and Javi Martinez".Bleacher Report.Turner.Retrieved10 May2017.
  42. ^Bajkowski, Simon (16 July 2016)."Mourinho praises Manchester United youngster Tuanzebe for his EIGHT minutes against Wigan".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved10 May2017.
  43. ^"Manchester United starlet Axel Tuanzebe out to prove he has come of age during Aston Villa loan".Express & Star. 26 January 2018.Retrieved23 October2020.
  44. ^abcLuckhurst, Samuel (11 November 2015)."Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe 'born for greatness'".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved15 November2016.
  45. ^Luckhurst, Samuel (29 January 2017)."Who is Axel Tuanzebe? Manchester United youngster in profile".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved30 January2017.
  46. ^Dunker, Charlotte (18 July 2018)."Axel Tuanzebe breaks bizarre Guinness World Record on Manchester United pre-season tour".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved19 July2018.
  47. ^"Fastest time to clear a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos (individual)".Guinness World Records. Archived fromthe originalon 13 November 2020.Retrieved23 October2020.
  48. ^"Games played by Axel Tuanzebe in 2015/2016".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved24 November2020.
  49. ^"Games played by Axel Tuanzebe in 2016/2017".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved24 November2020.
  50. ^ab"Games played by Axel Tuanzebe in 2017/2018".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved24 November2020.
  51. ^ab"Games played by Axel Tuanzebe in 2018/2019".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved24 November2020.
  52. ^"Games played by Axel Tuanzebe in 2019/2020".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved24 November2020.
  53. ^abc"Games played by Axel Tuanzebe in 2021/2022".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved13 January2022.
  54. ^ab"Games played by Axel Tuanzebe in 2022/2023".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved18 March2023.
  55. ^"Axel Tuanzebe: Internationals".WorldFootball.net.HEIM:SPIEL.Retrieved6 June2024.
  56. ^McNulty, Phil (24 May 2017)."Ajax 0–2 Manchester United".BBC Sport.Retrieved11 August2019.
    "Ajax v Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Final".Getty Images.Retrieved11 August2019.
  57. ^Stone, Simon (26 May 2021)."Villarreal 1–1 Manchester United (11–10 on pens): David de Gea spot kick saved in epic Europa League final shootout".BBC Sport.Retrieved26 May2021.
  58. ^https://www.itfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/04/ipswich-town-promoted-to-premier-league/

External links[edit]

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