Axel Tuanzebe

Tuanzebe has sights on more United minutes

Sunday 10 January 2021 08:00

Axel Tuanzebe is hungry for more Manchester United chances after returning to the starting XI in the Reds 1-0 FA Cup third round win against Watford.

Tuanzebe has made 10 appearances for United in the 2020-21 season and, prior to the Watford match, his previous start had been at Everton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final just before Christmas.

With a key Premier League double header coming up this week that could send United to the top of the league, the cup tie was an ideal warm-up to help underpin manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad strength.

“We want to be top of the league, you know, and this is the time to do it,” Axel told MUTV.

“[They are] two games that can really cement our position at the top and we just bounce on from there.”

Axel reflects on a job well done Video

Axel reflects on a job well done

We spoke to Axel Tuanzebe after the final whistle about Scott McTominay, Eric Bailly and a massive week ahead…

United will discover our FA Cup fourth round opponents 24 hours before the Burnley match, but Tuanzebe isn't too fussed about who we'll face next - he's just glad to be in the hat.

“That's what is most important. That's what we said after the game, that we're through,” he said.

“Sometimes, games like this are scrappy, a lot of changes to the team, it's hard to have a rhythm, a pattern of play, but it's job done.”

Tuanzebe played the full match against the Hornets and wants more.

“I would obviously love to get more minutes, so I can constantly keep my performances up,” he added. “Obviously the team are doing well so the only way in is really to force myself in with the chances that I do get.

“Sometimes it [the opportunity] can just come out of the blue. But the main thing is that we kept a clean sheet and we won the game.

“Respect to Watford. We said it before the game: they're a very tough-spirited side. Even though they made changes to the team, we know their ethos, their culture. So we knew that we had to perform to get the victory.”

With such a congested fixture programme opportunities for all squad members are set to be on offer, something Axel clearly welcomes.

“For one it prevents injuries, it gives everyone opportunities to perform, spots [become] open, nobody can be lacking and it keeps competition high. So that's the positive thing about it.” 

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