Axel Tuanzebe has pledged to help address Manchester United's Old Trafford woes this season ahead of Saturday night's clash with West Brom.
United return to Old Trafford for an 8pm kick off against the relegation-threatened Baggies, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side still searching for a home win this season. Their struggles at home have been in direct contrast to their superb away form, having failed to beat Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal in the league at Old Trafford this term.
“I couldn’t tell you, to be honest,” Tuanzebe told United's official website when asked to put his finger on what has caused the poor form at home.
“I think we just need to go out and play the game like it’s any other game. It’s as surprising to us as it is to the fans and everyone else watching. But we definitely need to correct it.”
Tuanzebe did suggest the absence of supporters, due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, could be playing a part. But he also insisted that should not be used as an excuse by any of Solskjaer's squad.
“Fans are a massive part of the game,” he added. “Now you can hear everything that’s being said, you can communicate easily with your team-mates. You can say that the pressure from the [opposition] fans has kind of faded, which, to some extent, makes things easier [for the away team].
“Coming through the ranks, when you played for the reserves or the youth teams, there are hardly any fans and you just play every game as if it’s any game.
“The only advantage you have is that you know your pitch better than they do. So, to some extent, you can say it’s easier going away and winning than it is with fans.”
