Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has made his return to full first team training.
The defender has been out of action since dropping out of the club’s pre-season tour in July 2022.
Tuanzebe returned to individual training in December, and stayed at Carrington rather than joining the club’s winter training camp in Spain.
Now this is a crucial step forward in his return, training with the first team.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Axel Tuanzebe makes return
Axel Tuanzebe was once regarded as one of Manchester United’s most highly rated defensive prospects. Now 25, his career has stalled.
He looked primed for a breakthrough in 2019 before injuries derailed him, and then in 2020 after an excellent comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, he was unable to kick on.
He has made a total of 37 first team appearances for Manchester United, the last of which was in 2021.
Last season Tuanzebe was on loan at Aston Villa, before a change of manager led to him seeking to join Napoli on loan instead. His loan at Napoli was impacted by injuries, Tuanzebe made only two appearances.
He featured under Erik ten Hag in training back in late June and early July, and flew out on tour in pre-season, before returning to the UK without playing a game.
Tuanzebe might be keen to try and secure another loan move away from Manchester United before this month’s transfer deadline.
Time will be tight, and a team will be taking a gamble on his fitness. However, his first team chances are limited, with high levels of competition at centre-back for United’s first team.
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