Axel Tuanzebe reveals secret behind “unbelievable” PSG performance, including Kylian Mbappe tips from ex-teammate

Every Manchester United fan remembers when Axel Tuanzebe locked up Kylian Mbappe during a rememberable Champions League clash against PSG in October 2020.

Axel Tuanzebe departed Manchester United in the summer of 2023 after spending almost his entire life with the club.

The defender was extremely highly-rated in the Academy at Carrington and made his first-team debut under Jose Mourinho.

Injuries heavily impacted Tuanzebe’s career at United, and after a series of loans he eventually left for Ipswich Town two years ago.

However, the Academy graduate produced one of the most memorable defensive performances for the club in recent years against French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Tuanzebe came in to play against Kylian Mbappe and co for his first start in over 10 months in October 2020 and produced a stunning performance at the Parc des Princes.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær dubbed the defender’s performance that night, as United won 2-1, as “unbelievable” and many United fans still reference the game.

Tuanzebe reveals secret behind incredible PSG performance

In a sit-down interview with The Overlap this week, Tuanzebe broke down how he approached the game against some of the most talented attacking players in the world.

Mbappe and Neymar Jr both started that game and United’s young defender stopped them having any impact. It had been mentioned at the time that Edinson Cavani spoke to Tuanzebe about how to stop them.

The now-27-year-old reveals that while Cavani, who spent seven years at PSG, did give him some pointers, his performance was mostly down to focusing on himself.

“Yeah, he gave me a sort of heads up in terms of traits that they have in their game,” Tuanzebe explained when asked about the rumours involving Cavani.

“But really and truly really, most of the time you focus on yourself. You focus on that first touch has to be bright, build my way into the game and you’re not too focused about the opposition.

“I think as soon as you start giving them accolades and traits – it’s this person, it’s that person – mentally you defeat yourself in the game.

“If you just look and go, ‘alright cool, you’re a human, I’m a human, let’s get at it.’ – I think that’s how I approach games. Respect the player, but yeah, I think you should back yourself.”

Tuanzebe is set to return to Old Trafford this week as Ipswich Town face United in the Premier League. The game takes place at 19:30 GMT on Wednesday evening.

The ex-United defender was suspended for Ipswich’s defeat to Spurs after a controversial red card against Aston Villa, but will be back available for this game.

Read More: How to watch Manchester United vs Ipswich – TV channel, livestream and latest team news

It will be the second time that Tuanzebe has faced his former club, after playing 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw earlier this season.

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