Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, now playing for Burnley, has filed a £1 million lawsuit against his former club, alleging clinical negligence in the medical treatment he received during his time at Old Trafford.
According to Sky News, court documents reveal that Tuanzebe claims his football career was severely affected by the club’s failure to properly manage his injuries, leaving him unable to play “without restriction or impediment.” The defender reportedly expects to recover damages exceeding £1,000,000 if the case is successful.
The lawsuit focuses on a stress fracture in his lower spine, known as a pars fracture, which he first suffered in January 2020. A similar injury to the opposite side of his spine occurred in July 2022, worsening his condition.
Tuanzebe and his legal team argue that Manchester United’s medical staff failed to allow adequate rest and neglected to refer him to a specialist sports spinal surgeon.
“Appropriate treatment plans would, on the balance of probabilities, have resulted in the claimant avoiding pain and discomfort and being able to play professional football at an elite level without restriction or impediment,” the lawsuit stated.
The documents further allege that United’s medical negligence caused his injuries to progress to bilateral grade 4 fractures, resulting in a chronic spinal condition that continues to impact his performance and earnings.
“Had the claimant been appropriately rested, his left-sided pars fracture would not have developed into a chronic condition, and the right-sided fracture would have been avoided altogether,” the claim added.
Tuanzebe, an academy graduate who joined United at the age of eight, made his senior debut in 2017 but saw his career hindered by repeated injuries. One of his most notable setbacks came during a Carabao Cup tie against Colchester United in 2019, which sidelined him for the season.
After 17 years at Old Trafford, Tuanzebe left the club in 2023 before joining Burnley, where he continues to play professionally despite ongoing physical challenges.
Manchester United has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
