Man Utd forgotten man makes long-awaited return to training
By Tom Gott
Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is back training on grass for the first time this season.
The 25-year-old returned from a loan with Napoli last season and was part of Erik ten Hag's pre-season tour squad, although he did not play a single minute and left the tour early as a result of an injury.
Tuanzebe has been recovering alone ever since but was spotted out on the grass at Carrington on Thursday as he bids to make a long-awaited return to action.
With Ten Hag's first team squad travelling to Spain, Tuanzebe remained in Manchester to continue his individual recovery programme.
United confirmed earlier this month that Tuanzebe is aiming to return to competitive action 'in the second half of the season, declining to put a specific timeframe on these final stages of his recovery from injury.
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The academy graduate has not played for United since the 2021 Europa League final but may have a small window in which to impress Ten Hag. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are both still out in Qatar as they prepare to represent France and Argentina respectively in the World Cup final on Sunday, while Harry Maguire is in need of a rest after leading England to the quarter-final.
With Victor Lindelof the only senior centre-back who did not travel to the World Cup, Tuanzebe may be needed if he can prove his fitness ahead of United's return to competitive action.
Ten Hag's side will kick off the second half of their campaign in the Carabao Cup against Burnley on December 21, before a Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest six days later.