According to Axel Tuanzebe, the best player he played alongside at Manchester United wasn't Ibrahimovic or Rooney

Manchester United has seen its fair share of legendary players over the years. From George Best to Cristiano Ronaldo, the club has been home to some of the greatest footballers of all time. However, when former Manchester United player Axel Tuanzebe was asked to name the best player he's ever played with, his answer might surprise you.

"He Was Three or Four Steps Ahead of Me"

Tuanzebe, who came through the Manchester United academy, had the opportunity to play alongside some truly world-class players during his time at the club. However, he singled out one player in particular as the best of the bunch: Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"Bastian Schweinsteiger," Tuanzebe said without hesitation. "He was 34 or 35 at the time, I couldn't get near him. He was three or four steps ahead of me. He knew how to control the ball and unbalance me. He was unbelievable in the area. He had the ability to slow down time, the ball, it's like a ping pong table there."

"The Caliber of Players There Was Incredible"

Tuanzebe's comments offer a fascinating insight into the respect that Schweinsteiger commanded among his peers. Even at the tail end of his career, the German midfielder was able to showcase his incredible talent and experience.

Tuanzebe recalled a particular training session where he was tasked with marking Schweinsteiger in a small-sided game. Despite his best efforts, Tuanzebe was unable to get close to the German, who seemed to be able to anticipate his every move.

"We had an area once: Rooney, Ibrahimovic, Ashley Young, Michael Carrick, Schweinsteiger, the caliber of players there," Tuanzebe said. "In four or five days you could see him in the middle twice."

A "Ping Pong Table" in the Area

Tuanzebe's description of Schweinsteiger's ability to control the ball in the area is particularly striking. He likened it to a "ping pong table," suggesting that the German midfielder had an almost supernatural ability to manipulate the ball and dictate the tempo of the game.

A Testament to Schweinsteiger's Quality

Tuanzebe's comments are a testament to Schweinsteiger's enduring quality. Even though he was past his prime, the German midfielder was still able to impress his teammates with his skill, intelligence, and experience.