Pranav Nair
Harry Maguire backs Axel Tuanzebe to be future Manchester United skipper
According to the UTD Podcast (h/t The Mirror), Harry Maguire believes Axel Tuanzebe has what it takes to succeed him as Manchester United skipper in the future.
The defender’s thoughts echo that of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian had earlier shown faith in the youngster’s ability by giving him the armband for United’s Carabao Cup win over Rochdale last season.
“Axel [Tuanzebe] is a leader, in the ways that he works and speaks in the dressing room. And he’s only a young boy, he’s still learning his trade – I’m sure he’ll go on to have an unbelievable career.”
Maguire was handed the captaincy just six months into his United career. It is fair to say that the English international has done his best to do justice to that honour.
At just 27, it may be years before Maguire relinquishes his armband. If all goes well, United will have a player primed to take it on when the time comes.
“There’s definitely a lot of leaders in the dressing room.”
Maguire believes the current group at the club is the best he has experienced in terms of leadership. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and David de Gea have all impressed Maguire with their leadership acumen.
Age is just a number
While the names mentioned by Maguire are senior pros, Tuanzebe, although impressive, is yet to cement a spot for himself in the United starting XI. However, at 23, he is primed to break onto the big stage.
The ability to lead is not limited to just the senior players. Maguire believes a youngster too can showcase the same abilities.
“We have a lot of leaders in the dressing room, a lot of senior pros. And you don’t have to be a senior pro to be a leader.”
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Maguire has grown into his role as the skipper and looks more assured of it as time goes on. He will do well to mentor Tuanzebe to ensure the player does not just go on to fulfil his promise but also emerge as a role model off the field. United’s future appears to be in fine hands indeed.
