Axel Tuanzebe has revealed how he doubles as an unofficial counsellor for his Manchester United team-mates.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United manager, has high hopes for Tuanzebe and that was reflected in his decision to name the young defender as captain in the League Cup win over Rochdale last September ahead of senior players such as Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard.

Tuanzebe’s season was curtailed by injury in December just as the 22-year-old seemed on the brink of holding down a regular first team place.

He has not featured since the 3-0 win over Colchester on Dec. 18 but, while he is moving closer to a return, his enforced absence has not prevented his natural leadership skills from coming to the fore.

Although Harry Maguire is United’s captain, Tuanzebe believes it is imperative others show leadership skills and is always willing to listen to any problems team-mates may have and provide support.

“Yes, that (being made permanent captain) is a target of mine,” Tuanzebe told the official UTD podcast. “I wouldn't say necessarily to be captain but just to be a leader for the team. Just someone that other teammates can turn to.

“There are other problems in football as well that a lot of people do not see. I always say to the lads, ‘If you ever need to talk, just call me’, especially in the younger age groups with the lads I have grown up with.

“I would just speak to them and say, ‘You don’t need to tell me the ins and outs. If you have a problem and you have no one to talk to then call me and I will come and meet you and I will try to help you’. If a player has been affected off the pitch it really does affect their performance on the pitch.”