Axel Tuanzebe named in Manchester United squad for CSKA Moscow clash

Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe is in line to feature against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday (5 December) after being named in the provisional squad for his side's final Champions League group match.

Tuanzebe, 20, has started just one match under Jose Mourinho this season, playing the full 90 minutes at centre-half in the Carabao Cup fourth round victory over Swansea City in October. Despite breaking into the first-team at the back-end of last season amid a string of injury problems that limited his manager's options, the youngster has seldom even been named on the bench this season, making the Premier League squad just once.

But according to the Manchester Evening News, Tuanzebe will be included in the 18-man squad with United looking to seal their place in the Champions League knockout stages as Group A winners.

Mourinho has named a back three of Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo in United's last two games and with Phil Jones and Eric Bailly still recovering from injury, the introduction of Tuanzebe would provide the United boss with the chance to rest one of those first-team options ahead of the visit of Manchester City this Sunday [9 December]

Luke Shaw is also hoping to be involved if Mourinho decides to make changes with the derby in mind. Shaw, 22, is still to start a match this season with his only appearances coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup against Burton Albion and Swansea.

The left-back's future at Old Trafford looks bleak with United still to trigger an extension on his current contract, which is otherwise due to expire next summer. But Shaw could have the opportunity to prove his worth against CSKA.

"He's working to have an opportunity and sooner or later, the opportunity will arrive," Mourinho said of Shaw on Monday. "Because he deserves that opportunity. Selected for tomorrow, yes, for sure. To start or to be on the bench, I cannot answer."

Mourinho has also confirmed Paul Pogba will play tonight, with the France international now facing a three-match domestic ban after being shown a straight red card in the victory over Arsenal on Saturday [2 December].

United are in control of Group A and a point against CSKA will be enough for them to progress to the last 16 of the competition.