McTominay And Tuanzebe's Important Day

Manchester United youngsters Axel Tuanzebe and Scott McTominay made landmark appearances in Sunday's defeat to Arsenal - their Premier League debuts. 

Tuanzebe, 19, deputised for Antonio Valencia at right-back to make his first senior start for United while McTominay replaced Juan Mata in the 84th minute for his maiden involvement with the first team.

Tasked with marking the tricky Alexis Sanchez, Tuanzebe, whose only previous first-team appearance came as a substitute at the end of January in the Emirates FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic, impressed observers with a strong, intelligent and athletic performance.

Speaking to MUTV after Sunday’s game, manager Jose Mourinho was full of praise for the defender.

He said: “[Tuanzebe was] very good, very solid. He did his work for years in the academy and he joined the first-team squad in January so he's had January, February, March and April, four months working with us, adapting to a different reality. So I was sure that he was ready.”

Mata, who was making a return to the first team after a long-term groin injury, echoed the sentiments of his manager with glowing praise for the 19-year-old.

“I think Axel did very good against Alexis, who is one of the best players in the Premier League,” Juan told MUTV. “He defended very, very well. He’s an athletic guy, he’s quick and he’s good with the ball. So I’m very happy for him.”

McTominay, 20, earned himself a place in the matchday squad for the second successive weekend after being an unused substitute for the home draw with Swansea City.

The youngster has been with United since the age of five and came through the ranks with star striker Marcus Rashford as the pair shared the no.10 role in the Under-16 side. More recently showing promise at the heart of the reserve team's midfield, McTominay looked lively when he was introduced at the Emirates Stadium, fizzing a shot from the edge of the box towards Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech in stoppage time.

Mourinho paid tribute to both players in his post-match interview, telling MUTV: “It’s an important day in [Axel Tuanzebe’s] career and also for Scott [McTominay]. It was just a few minutes but to play in the Premier League, they showed good character so I am happy for them.”