Butt: Tuanzebe Is Shining Example Of Academy

Manchester United's Nicky Butt feels Axel Tuanzebe is a shining example to the rest of the youngsters within the club's successful Academy.

The Reds' interim Reserves coach and Head of Academy has worked closely with the defender and is rightly proud of his progress, as the 19-year-old signed a new contract until 2020, with the option of a further year, on Thursday.

"Axel is simply one of those boys you just trust," Butt told ManUtd.com. "Whatever he does, when he goes on the pitch, when he is in training, when he goes home, when he’s in front of the press... you trust him. He is the perfect example to all our Academy players – as is Marcus Rashford as well. 

"They’re the kind of players we want to bring to this club through the Academy. We want them to be with our club for five, 10, 15 years and be the leaders at United and show the next group of youngsters how they should do things."

Reserves captain Tuanzebe made his competitive first-team debut in the FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic last weekend and spoke of his excitement at the landmark occasion. Jose Mourinho's decision to promote the teenager into the senior squad continues the great tradition of handing homegrown products an opportunity on the big stage.

"It’s amazing really when you think one of the biggest, probably the biggest club in the world, still gives youngsters platforms," added Butt. "It shows that if you’re good enough, you’ll get your chance no matter who the manager brings in. 

"Whether it’s a world-record transfer like Paul Pogba or a superstar like Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought in, there is always room for young players at this club if you’re good enough."