UNITED Axel’s rise marks a changing of the guard at United
DAYS after Marcus Rashford again proved himself a match-winner in Europe, Axel Tuanzebe came of age on the big stage against Arsenal.
The youngster would probably have played more minutes if Louis van Gaal was still in charge, but this could yet prove a watershed moment for the 19-year-old.
Finally, Jose Mourinho might have a meaningful name to add to that dubious list of academy products he has taken credit for.
Tall, selfless and fearless, Tuanzebe ticks all the boxes for Mourinho. But it was still a bold move to throw him in.
The manner in which he shackled Alexis Sanchez suggests he could have a bright future under the Portuguese. And given United’s overreliance on Antonio Valencia, that is no bad thing.
It also sends a message to the dozens of youngsters at Carrington – the path to the first-team is clear if you take your chance.
Matthew Willock, Demi Mitchell, Scott McTominay and Matthew Olosunde might not become key players under Mourinho, but they already feel part of the first-team.
And the Portuguese will be keen to build around a homegrown core to make the Reds title challengers again.
Jesse Lingard, Rashford and Tuanzebe have all left an impression and all three have a big part to play in Mourinho’s long-term project at Old Trafford.
These are players who are well accustomed with United’s history and what it means to pull on the red shirt.
That is why Mourinho did not think twice about breaking the world transfer record to re-sign Paul Pogba last summer.
And Class of 2011 graduate Michael Keane could yet follow in Pogba’s footsteps if, as expected, he leaves Burnley in the summer.
Mourinho is certain to spend big in the summer and is looking at the cream of European football – Jan Oblak, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antoine Griezmann.
But local lads from Wythenshawe, Rochdale and Warrington will also have their say – and it should not come as a surprise.
But, for Mourinho, it comes down to respect – for the national team and the culture of the nation he is working in.
Breaking up foreign cliques in the dressing room, Mourinho sees a homegrown core as crucial to rebuilding team spirit at a new club.
You do get the feeling that there is a changing of the guard right now, and United’s next generation will be at the heart of it.