Axel Tuanzebe gives injury update and verdict on Man Utd signing Odion Ighalo

Axel Tuanzebe is hoping to back on the pitch soon for Manchester United and believes new signing Odion Ighalo will make him a better player.

The 22-year-old, who impressed on loan at Aston Villa last season, hasn't featured for United since the 3-0 League Cup victory over Colchester in December.

The defender has been out with a hamstring problem but is now nearing a return and will challenge Victor Lindelof to play alongside Harry Maguire at the back.

Currently with his United team-mates in Malaga on their warm weather training break, Tuanzebe provided an injury update.

"Yeah, my training has been very good for the last couple of weeks," he told ManUtd.com. "My physio, John Davin, has helped me a lot with my progression and tried to really optimise the time I've had to recover. It's been going really good, I'm a lot stronger now and soon to be back on the pitch with the lads again."

Axel Tuanzebe and Scott McTominay working hard in training. (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

When pressed for a comeback date the defender couldn't answer, but added he is very close.

"I couldn't really put a timeframe on it, but yeah very soon," Tuanzebe added. "The training today went well and I just want to keep that vibe, that mentality and that work ethic. Scott and Tim are always great to train with, we always push each other, so we are putting in the hard work to get back as soon as possible."

Tuanzebe was also quizzed on new signing Odion Ighalo.

United brought in the former Watford striker on loan to boost their attacking options and Tuanzebe believes the acquisition will help him improve personally.

Odion Ighalo has been working up a sweat back home. (Twitter)

On if he'll enjoy the physical training battles, Tuanzebe responded: "Yeah, most definitely, because that is how you learn and that is how to improve.

"I remember my time at Villa. Me and Yannick Bolasie, in every training session we were at it! That is the only way you improve, when you have really honest people challenging every day.

"I am very excited to see what he brings to the table. I am sure he is strong and powerful. That can only develop me in finding ways to deal with that. I will be very grateful to have somebody like that on the team."