Ex-Man United Player Returns to the Premier League with Burnley

A former Manchester United player has rejoined the Premier League, signing for Burnley following their relegation last season. The Clarets will be returning to top-flight football after just a year in the lower division, having finished second in the Championship under the leadership of Scott Parker, who guided them back with a strong defensive record.

Burnley conceded only 16 goals across 46 matches in their promotion-winning campaign, accumulating 100 points and narrowly beating Leeds United on goal difference. Despite their success, the club has been proactive in strengthening their squad and has now completed the signing of Axel Tuanzebe, who can operate as either a central defender or right back. The 27-year-old joined Burnley from Ipswich Town, with the transfer announced on Thursday evening.

Tuanzebe’s journey began at Manchester United when he joined their academy at age eight, eventually making his first-team debut in January 2017. During his time at United, he made 37 appearances but struggled for consistent first-team opportunities, leading to five loan spells, including three at Aston Villa. He later moved permanently to Ipswich in 2023 after an experienced stint at Villa, where he helped the team gain promotion to the Premier League.

After his loan at Villa in 2018, Tuanzebe returned to the Championship with Ipswich, where he played last season before the club was relegated. His contract with Ipswich has now ended, and he has signed with Burnley as a free agent, despite Ipswich offering him a new deal. He is Burnley’s third summer signing, following the acquisitions of Quilindschy Hartman from Feyenoord and goalkeeper Max Weiss from Karlsruher.

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A former Manchester United star has returned to the Premier League, signing for Burnley

Axel Tuanzebe, who joined United at age eight, made his way to the first team before his move to Ipswich

Scott Parker led Burnley back to the Premier League at the first attempt last season

Tuanzebe, meanwhile, played for Ipswich, who were relegated to the second tier last season