Tuanzebe, 20, joined Villa on a temporary basis in January and played five times in the Championship as Steve Bruce's side reached the play-off final, where it lost 1-0 to Fulham.

The England Under-21 international, who can play in the centre or at full-back, featured in each of United's six pre-season fixtures, but has now signed a deal for the duration of 2018-2019 at Villa Park.

United is said to be looking to bring in a senior defender before the transfer window closes, with Harry Maguire, Jerome Boateng and Toby Alderweireld all reported targets.

Tuanzebe will be aiming for regular first-team football at Villa, but will not be available as they begin their campaign against Hull City on Tuesday (AEST).