Gary Lineker was impressed with the performance of Axel Tuanzebe in Manchester United’s win over Swansea City in the League Cup on Tuesday Night.
Jose Mourinho’s team cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Jesse Lingard, which were somehow allowed to stand despite his diabolical goal celebrations. This really should be a bookable offence.
Jesse Lingard showed off a familiar celebration #mufc #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/t9B6OASFSD
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) October 24, 2017
However, the winger scored two nice goals. His first of the night came after he was played through on goal by Marcus Rashford.
Lingard's goal ?? pic.twitter.com/77YOIaC7qg
— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) October 24, 2017
And he ensured United’s place in the quarter-finals of the competition they won last season with an impressive header.
Lingard with his second! Both absolutely exceptional finished! ???? pic.twitter.com/7qdyyD9f7o
— Man Utd Vids ⚽️ (@ManUtdTV) October 24, 2017
Lingard wasn’t the only United player to impress on the night. Tuanzebe started as part of a back three alongside Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling, and played well despite an uncertain start to the game. The 19-year-old was commanding and calm in possession, he was involved in the build-up for Lingard’s second goal and was dubbed a “real prospect” by Lineker following the game.
The former Barcelona and England striker said Tuanzebe was “confident, quick, comfortable on the ball” and that he possesses a “real intelligence to his game.”
Axel Tuanzebe looks a real prospect. Confident, quick, comfortable on the ball and a real intelligence to his game. ?
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 24, 2017
Mourinho also praised Tuanebe, and Scott McTominay, following the game.
“Scott McTominay did very well, strong in the midfield. Axel Tuanzebe started maybe a little shaky, but then we got stability and he came into it,” Mourinho told reporters.
While United fans were impressed with the defender’s display.
Tuanzebe should get a chance against spurs played very well tonight!
— BigRed™ (@BigRed19940) October 24, 2017
Impressed by Axel Tuanzebe. Looks really composed on the ball with the ability to pick out passes. Incredibly strong, too. Big future ahead.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) October 24, 2017
Why is Tuanzebe better than Lindelof
— Tikitactic (@TikiTactic) October 24, 2017
Tuanzebe combines very good technical and tactical ability with wonderful athleticism and pace. A real asset.
— Richard Cann (@RichardCann76) October 24, 2017
Am afraid that big fee or not, Jose must be honest and admit that right now Lindelof is inferior to Tuanzebe
— David Brayshaw⚽️ (@david_brayshaw) October 25, 2017
Axel Tuanzebe is comfortably our 3rd best CB. So confident, composed & his reading of the game is class. Needs to play more often.
— Öliver. (@UtdOliver) October 24, 2017
Axel Tuanzebe with more passes (36) than any other player on the pitch in the first half with 100% passing accuracy
— jb8521 (@jb_8521) October 24, 2017
All started with Tuanzebe being confident enough to take the space given to him. Hope he gets more game time. pic.twitter.com/nEopcAN7eK
— Zav (@zadnx) October 24, 2017