Aston Villa's winning run came to an end against Leeds United yesterday but they remain unbeaten in 12 games following the fiery 1-1 draw at Elland Road.

The game is going to be remembered for the Whites' controversial opener that prompted boss Marcelo Bielsa to allow Villa to equalise unopposed.

However, it was another strong defensive performance from Dean Smith's men, who came under serious pressure from Leeds but managed to hold firm, with on loan Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe in superb form.

Reports from Sun journalist Alan Nixon suggest that the Premier League giants were watching the player as they consider bringing him back into the first-team squad under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer next season.

And, he certainly won't have done himself any harm with another strong display but Tuanzebe will be aware that he has to build on that when the play-offs come around.

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Villa have already guaranteed themselves a top-six spot and you can be sure that United will be sending scouts to check his progress in such high-pressure games.

Playing in the Championship means it's always difficult for the Red Devils to judge how Tuanzebe would cope with them but the play-offs are slightly different in that sense.

As mentioned, they are high stake fixtures and it really is all or nothing, so United will learn a lot about their player mentally in those games and how he can deal with the spotlight.

The England U21 international has been with United since 2005 so the chance to establish himself in the squad at Old Trafford will be a dream for Tuanzebe, who will back himself to be better than many of the current centre-backs at the club who are struggling.

It might not be good news for Villa in terms of wanting to keep the versatile defender long term, however, Tuanzebe will be more fired up than ever to help his current club back to the Premier League as he knows it could kickstart his career with United after these reports.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.