Steve Bruce used his contacts at Old Trafford to sweet-talk Jose Mourinho into loaning out the 20-year-old defender for the rest of the season.
How did that conversation between the two giants of the game go down?
Well, Villa’s media staff dreamt up the phone call from Bruce to Mourinho that sealed the deal.
They published the light-hearted article on their website… but pulled the piece less than 10 minutes later.
Luckily, Express Sport was on hand to grab some screenshots.
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Yes, it’s as cringeworthy as you’d expect…
Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho wanted me to join Aston Villa – Axel Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe has revealed Mourinho was eager for him to make the move to Villa Park.
“I think he knows that it’s a great club,” Tuanzebe said. “I think he has a good relationship with the manager here, Steve Bruce, so I think it’s not always about going to the biggest club it’s about going to the club that’s right for you as a player.
“You need to trust the people that are working around you and also develop yourself and get minutes, game time, and come back to United a bigger stronger player.”
Tuanzebe admits the chance to help Villa secure a return to the Premier League was too good to turn down.
“There were a lot of other offers but I think the challenge of winning promotion here stood out,” he said.
“The manager interested me because he has the background at Manchester United.
“I spoke to him a couple of times. You need support from the manager that can help you on and off the pitch, particularly when you are away from home.”