Axel Tuanzebe was left out of England’s squad for the Under-20 World Cup finals after Jose Mourinho made it clear to the Football Association that the teenage defender has a significant role to play in Manchester United’s remaining Premier League fixtures this season.

Tuanzebe made his Premier League debut during last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal and the 19-year-old is also in line to feature against Spurs on Sunday and United’s final two league fixtures against Southampton and Crystal Palace as Mourinho prioritises the Europa League.

The defender – who played a full 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium - was due to be named in England’s Under-20 for the tournament in Korea this month but Mourinho and United argued their case to the FA and it was agreed he would not travel in order to see out the season with his club.

England’s first game is against Argentina on May 20, the day before United’s final league fixture at home to Palace.

Mourinho has indicated that he plans to involve Tuanzebe more next season, although primarily as a right back in the belief that the youngster is not yet ready to make the step up to centre-half, his preferred position. It would mean more cover for Antonio Valencia at right back.