Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has been named the club's U18 Player of the Year.

The 17-year-old captained Paul McGuinness' side as the Reds reached the play-off stage in the Academy League and earned praise with his powerful and athletic displays at centre-back.

Speaking on stage at Old Trafford, the delighted young defender said: "It's been a good season for myself. I think I've had a lot of support from all the coaches and staff. A lot of the players were backing me throughout the season because I was captain as well. It's been a great season for all of us really with a small squad. I think we've had to grind through many of the games and I think we've come out well."

Revealing that he first joined United at the age of eight, Tuanzebe added: "It's been a long road and a lot of players have come and gone. I think there are four players from my Under-11s team who are still here now and it's been a great experience."

On wearing the skipper's armband, the centre-back joked: "I enjoy being captain, most definitely, because you get to boss the other players around!"