Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has heaped praise on Axel Tuanzebe ahead of this weekend's clash against Chelsea.
The 22-year-old played a key role in United's impressive 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League earlier in the week as he lined up in a back three alongside Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof.
In the absence of captain Harry Maguire, Tuanzebe performed admirably to keep the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at bay, doing his chances of starting against the Blues no harm.
Speaking ahead of the game against Chelsea, Solskjaer revealed his plans for the defender who has endured a difficult time with injuries over the past year.
"It was a great performance by a kid who’s not played for 10 months, delighted for him, such a professional character, he wants everything, he works really hard, been really really thorough in rehab," Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference, as per the Manchester Evening News.
"I’m very pleased for him.
"Now it’s about getting consistency in his performances, he’s got to stay injury-free but I think he can kick on, he’s a leader, can play right-back, centre-back, midfield, he’s a boy who takes responsibility for his own development and he’s doing everything he can have to have a long career at United and get that consistency."
Solskjaer speaking highly of Tuanzebe could result in some Man United fans getting their wish against the Blues.
Following the 2-1 win in Paris, many United supporters called for Solskjaer to keep the England Under-21 international in the starting line-up for the visit of the west London outfit.
One fan tweeted : "Surely with the clear threat Werner possesses in behind United's defence means Tuanzebe starts vs Chelsea."
Another wrote : "Tuanzebe has to start vs Chelsea. When you think of the profile of Werner and Pulisic it’s a no brainer really."
It remains to be seen if Tuanzebe keeps his place in the side as Maguire is expected to be available along with Mason Greenwood and deadline day signing Edinson Cavani.
"I hope and expect all three of them to be available for selection," Solskjaer added. "Of course we’ve got a training session this morning which is the last chance of preparation, but they’ve all got a chance, all of them.
"Edinson needs to tick all the boxes that he’s gone through in his programme to be ready and make an impact.
"I’ll have a discussion with him today, as well as with Mason and Harry."
