Why Shaw Shocked Tuanzebe In Training

Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe has recalled his first step up to senior training during an exclusive interview with Inside United, the official club monthly magazine.

The 20-year-old, who came on as a late substitute in the New Year's Day win at Everton and will hope to be involved again in Friday's Emirates FA Cup tie against Derby County at Old Trafford, admits he was taken aback by fellow defender Luke Shaw.

Tuanzebe has now made eight appearances this term as he continues to push for a regular place in Jose Mourinho's squad.

"You don't forget the first time you train with the first team," Tuanzebe told Inside United. "It was me, Marcus Rashford and Devonte Redmond, and we went up to training. It was one of the hardest sessions I've had in my life.

"I was in the Under-18s at the time and Paul McGuinness was our manager. We thought we were coming along to watch but we ended up playing in a training game. We were a position team, the first team against us. It was so hard, it was so fast, it was physically on another level.

"I remember vividly that Luke Shaw was absolutely rapid. It shocked me that I couldn't get near him. He was an absolute bullet, just amazing. From that moment, I had him as a benchmark for myself, in terms of how sharp he is. After that session, we had seen what we had to get to. Once we'd had a taste of it, then we all wanted more and more."