Boy from Congo stars for Manchester United

After a 2-0 away leg win over Granada, Manchester United were almost sure to make it into Europa League semi-finals. But there were fears before the match because defenders Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw were all out of the squad, either through suspension or illness. But if anyone doubted Victor Lindelof and youngster Axel Tuanzebe – they don't doubt them anymore.

Manager Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer was beaming after another 2-0 win on Thursday night, sealed a well-deserved qualification for the last four in the competition. And Norwegian coach praised his defenders for allowing the team to have a fuss-free match.

"Axel Tuanzebe has been very patient, worked hard, and tonight I thought him and Victor were our outstanding performers. They kept us from any real pressure, and they defended whatever came against them. Towards the end, Granada had a couple of corners, but Axel headed them away. I'm delighted for him."

You need a good performance to get your confidence up, especially at a big club. The 23-year-old DR Congo-born Tuanzebe will be looking forward to more first-team involvement at Manchester United, the club he joined at the age of eight, some four years since relocating to England with his family.

Since his childhood, little Axel was only about two things: education and football. By his admission, you wouldn't want to go back home unless his grades were good. His strict father wouldn't tolerate sloppy schoolwork. The grades were thankfully fine so Axel could dedicate himself to his biggest passion – the game of football.

Playing football in his neighbourhood, Axel was starting to get noticed. Chris Hickman, the sports coordinator at St John's Roman Catholic Primary School, came across Tuanzebe when he was in the reception year.

"He joined us when he was five. It was obvious that he was special. He was an eight-year-old playing with 11-year-olds. Axel was just so natural, so physical, you just knew he was going to do it, but he wasn't big-headed. We used to give him the ball in defence, and he'd run up the other end and score for us. Manchester United must have spotted him when he was nine. He preferred United to the other ones."

Red Devils comfortably through to the semi-finals of the Europa League

Starring for Manchester United's youth sides was a clear indication that Tuanzebe could make it professionally. His two loan spells with Aston Villa proved successful as he played regularly for a team that won promotion back to the Premier League in 2019. Working with former England and Chelsea centre-back John Terry was a significant contribution to Axel's development.

"I had a good relationship with John. He helped me a lot every day and continuously gave me pointers on how to improve my game. He was always available when I needed him and offered himself to help the team and me. It was a great time at Aston Villa."

Now 23, Tuanzebe has made a long journey from his native Ituri Province. Steady progress and confidence the manager is showing him could lead the England Under-21 international to establish himself as a first-teamer. And there is still a possibility that he could elect to represent his birth country rather than England.

For the time being, at least, lifting the Europa League trophy would be the pinnacle of the young Congolese's career.