Gerrard will be gutted by Tuanzebe update at Aston Villa after what ‘I’ve heard’ – Hutton
Steven Gerrard will be gutted to see Manchester United cut Axel Tuanzebe’s loan deal at Aston Villa short this month, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he understands why the 24-year-old wanted out after struggling for action this season.
As reported by the Birmingham Mail on Sunday (2 January), Tuanzebe has been recalled by Manchester United after Gerrard failed to make assurances over his playing time.
The Villa boss was quoted as saying he wanted to keep Tuanzebe with a view to him staying past the summer.
The defender reportedly wants a move that will guarantee him first-team action.
Hutton admitted his former teammate’s decision would be a sucker punch for Gerrard.
“Look, I can understand why Ax has wanted to move on,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I’ve heard what Steven Gerrard said about him, that he wasn’t just about the short term. They were looking for the long term as well. He will be disappointed to lose him.
“I think he has got a lot of really good qualities. He is still developing but to develop you have to play. That’s why he came back to Aston Villa, to play football. He was sat on the bench at Manchester United.
“Not getting that game time, I understand, as a player, why he wants to leave somewhere to go and play.
“I understand both situations. It falls down to Ax and wanting to play the actual game and learning to become a better player. I totally get why he’s left.”
Tuanzebe has played just eight minutes since Gerrard’s arrival at Villa Park.
The versatile defender has made a total of 11 appearances for Villa this season.
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