MANCHESTER UNITED defender Axel Tuanzebe has rejoined Aston Villa on a season-long loan.
Tuanzebe, 23, fell down the Old Trafford pecking order last season, although he did end up making 18 appearances for the Red Devils.
The imminent arrival of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid has seen the versatile defender fall further out of favour with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has allowed him to return to Villa Park.
A Villa statement read: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Axel Tuanzebe from Manchester United.
“The defender returns to Villa Park on a season-long arrangement.
“Tuanzebe was a key member of the squad that helped Villa clinch promotion back to the Premier League in 2019.
“The 23-year-old has made regular appearances in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League for United over the past two seasons, impressing at both centre back and right back.”
In addition to sealing a move back to the Midlands, Tuanzebe has inked a new contract at Old Trafford.
A United statement read: “Axel Tuanzebe will spend the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Aston Villa after agreeing a season-long move to the Premier League club.
“The 23-year-old has also signed a new contract at Manchester United, lasting until June 2023 with the option of an additional year’s extension.”
Solskjaer foresaw Tuanzebe departing the Theatre of Dreams this summer after United agreed a deal for World Cup winner Varane.
The Norwegian said last month: “Of course, with Raphael coming in, I can see Axel going out [on loan].
“Because I have Varane, Maguire, Lindelof and Eric Bailly and Phil Jones is coming back in.”
Tuanzebe’s latest loan spell with Villa will be his third with the Birmingham-based club.
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The United academy graduated joined the Villans in January 2018 but was restricted to a meagre five appearances due to injury.
He returned to Villa Park the following season and played a key part in the club securing promotion back to the Premier League, making 25 appearances in the Championship.
Tuanzebe and Villa kick off their Premier League campaign next Saturday, travelling to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.
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