Announced: Axel Tuanzebe arrives to Aston Villa from Manchester United

Highly-rated Manchester United defender/midfielder Axel Tuanzebe arrives to B6 ahead of the final promotion push. Tuanzebe, 20, is expected to compete in defensive midfield.

Aston Villa Football Club made their first incoming transfer move of the window on Thursday. United manager José Mourinho took his sweet ole’ time sanctioning the move after re-assessing his defensive options.

After a week of rumors, Manchester United officially sent Axel Tuanzebe on loan until completion of the league season.

Tuanzebe, who just turned 20 in November, is capable of playing a variety of roles for Villa. First and foremost, he’s a terrific center back prospect. That is his most natural position, but one the club cannot provide him minutes in without injury. James Chester and John Terry are firmly entrenched as the starters after very solid seasons, respectively. Tuanzebe, therefore, could operate as the third central defender following Christopher Samba’s continued fitness issues and questions regarding Tommy Elphick’s club future.

Most of Tuanzebe’s first-team appearances have occurred outside his natural position, however.

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At Manchester United, he played right back on occasion – a position he could compete with incumbent starter Ahmed Elmohamady. Ritchie De Laet recently departed for Royal Antwerp on loan; James Bree could do the same before the end of January.

It is expected Tuanzebe will operate as a defensive midfielder too. Mile Jedinak continually battles fitness issues, recently completing just two training sessions in an eighteen day period. Glenn Whelan impresses in a holding role, but he too has run hot and cold after picking-up the flu, a knee injury, and a downturn in form.

Iceland international Birkir Bjarnason recently completed a full ninety minutes in the number six role, a position Tuanzebe will fight for. Whatever Steve Bruce’s role for the youngster, it’s clear he provides a strong option for 3-4 different positions.

Having Tuanzebe now could be a first look at having him on loan next season as well. Which I reckon is the reason Bruce pushed for a move.