The 21-year-old got the shock of his life when he was ordered to referee John Brooks’ room to do the pre-match skipper’s duties by United assistant boss Mike Phelan.

And Tuanzebe was in fantasy land as he walked out of the tunnel to lead Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side out.

“Dreams do come true. I had goosebumps as I was walking out. It is something I have been working on for a long time and the moment finally came,” Axel told us.

“I am just grateful to the manager and grateful to the club and the players I am playing with for sharing this moment with me.

“It was a nice surprise. I was literally getting ready to stretch and loosen up and Mike Phelan just came to me and said 'are you ready to go and see the referee'.