Axel Tuanzebe Resumes Unfinished Business at Aston Villa

Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has returned to Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal, the club recently confirmed.

Rumoured for some time, and asked for relatively often by Aston Villa fans, Tuanzebe seemed like a worthy option to pair James Chester at the back, or at least provide cover for James Chester’s current partner, Tommy Elphick.

Tuanzebe last spent time at Aston Villa in the latter half of the 2017/18 season, where he struggled with injury issues and only made a handful of appearances – with some from the bench.

With a point to prove, the United youngster will have a full season in the Championship that could make or break his Manchester United career.

The biggest issue with Tuanzebe’s arrival is his fitness, as the Villa faithful witnessed last season. Should he be able to remain fit, the signing is an impressive, but more importantly, important signing for Villa – who have looked bereft in terms of depth in the centre-back positions.

Whilst Tuanzebe can play across the defence, it’s likely we will be seeing him at a centre-half for much of the season. With too many options at right-back and a recent bid for left-back Joe Bryan accepted by Bristol City – it seems Steve Bruce is suring up his central areas for the season ahead.