Former Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov commented on the club’s issues regarding the defensive line.
Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe is the defender they need according to Dimitar Berbatov. Subsequently, the former Red Devils striker praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his tactics against Paris Saint-Germain.
Additionally, United developed confidence following the 4-1 win vs Newcastle earlier in the Premier League.
Therefore, Solskjaer’s men managed to beat the French giants in the opening Champions League fixture.
Evidently, goals coming from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford aided United to make a good start to the campaign. Also, the gaffer made a difficult choice at the back in the absence of Harry Maguire.
Thus, Tuanzebe returned to the starting XI along with Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw after a 10-month injury period.
To everyone’s surprise, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and new signing Alex Telles performed attacking roles on respective flanks.
Consequently, World-Cup winner Kylian Mbappe struggled following Tuanzebe’s strong presence in the backline. The 22-year-old defender grabbed his golden chance to prove his worth on football’s biggest platform.
The Congo international received man of the match award along with Solskjaer’s admiration. Moreover, United legend Rio Ferdinand suggested to include him in the battle vs Chelsea this weekend.
Impressive tactics.
And former United attacker Berbatov thinks that the club made an error by failing to sign a center-back this season.
Although, he believes that Tuanzebe will sort out the defensive problems for United.
The former United striker told Betfair: “I thought Alex Tuanzebe was excellent in defense, for his age he showed so much maturity and strength.
“He didn’t look intimidated or afraid of the huge names he had to defend, and a game like this will give him confidence.
“He has made the case for himself that he should play more. It’s only one game but he appears to have all the qualities of a great defender – speed and strength, along with a cool head.
“I said in pre-season that United needed a center-back, but maybe all along Alex has been there, and he is a strong candidate to be the first choice.”
In addition, Berbatov also admired Solskjaer’s changes to the gameplan.
“It was a tactical battle in Paris and Ole came out on top. The media criticized Ole when results were bad, so they should give him credit when things are going well,” he added.
“The players, of course, play a huge role, but Ole has set them up and got them ready. He prepared them mentally and physically and helped them to break down PSG man by man.
“They did the job perfectly and got the result they deserved. At the same time, United shouldn’t get ahead of themselves. Don’t think about big targets, just take every game as it comes.
“If Ole keeps them steady, rotates the team correctly, and they concentrate, they can win more games. Edinson Cavani will be a big addition when he is ready also.
“Everyone has been spot on in the last couple of games and this must continue.”
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