Axel Tuanzebe, the former Manchester United defender, has launched a high-profile legal battle against his old club, accusing them of clinical negligence related to medical advice during his final year with the Red Devils. The 27-year-old, who joined Manchester United’s academy at the tender age of eight, filed the claim at the High Court on July 9, 2025, with the case officially categorized as "Clinical Negligence – Part 7 Claim – Medical Advice." According to reports, the claim concerns an injury sustained around July 2022 and is understood to be worth more than £1 million.
Tuanzebe’s career at Old Trafford was marked by promise but unfortunately marred by persistent injuries. After making his senior debut as a 19-year-old substitute in a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan in January 2017, he was widely regarded as a bright prospect, having captained Manchester United at every youth level and earning accolades such as the club’s Young Player of the Year in 2014-15 and Reserve Team Player of the Year in 2016-17.
Despite this early promise, his first-team opportunities were limited. Over six years, Tuanzebe made just 37 senior appearances for Manchester United, a figure heavily impacted by recurring injuries. His time at the club included multiple loan spells—three at Aston Villa, and others at Napoli and Stoke City—where he sought valuable playing time and recovery from injuries that hampered his progress.
Among the injuries that plagued Tuanzebe were hip, ankle, and hamstring problems. Notably, during his final season at United, he was sidelined for 195 days due to injuries before a loan move to Stoke in January 2023. His last appearance in a Manchester United shirt came in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final against Villarreal, a heartbreaking loss on penalties where Tuanzebe scored during the shootout but could not prevent defeat.
Following his release from Manchester United in the summer of 2023, Tuanzebe signed with Ipswich Town as a free agent. There, he managed to rebuild some momentum, making over 40 appearances as the club’s first-choice right-back across two seasons, despite battling further injury setbacks. In July 2025, he took another step in his career by joining newly-promoted Burnley on a free transfer, setting the stage for a potential Premier League reunion with Manchester United when Burnley visits Old Trafford before the end of August.
The legal claim centers on allegations that Manchester United provided negligent medical advice during Tuanzebe’s recovery from an injury sustained in or after July 2022. The UK Government defines clinical negligence as an act or omission by a healthcare professional that falls below the expected standard of care and causes injury or loss. Tuanzebe’s claim contends that the club’s medical staff failed to meet this standard, contributing to prolonged injury issues and hampering his career progression.
Throughout his career, Tuanzebe was known for his professionalism and work ethic. Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær praised him after a standout Champions League performance against Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, noting, "He wants everything; he works really hard, he’s been really thorough in his rehab. I’m very pleased for him." Solskjær also emphasized the importance of managing Tuanzebe’s fitness to maintain consistency, stating, "Now to get the consistency in his performances, he has to stay injury-free and we need to manage that. That’s mine and his job, and the physio staff as well, of course." However, the lawsuit suggests that some aspects of this management may have fallen short.
Manchester United have declined to comment publicly on the legal proceedings, as have Tuanzebe’s representatives, including his lawyers from Simons Muirhead Burton. The club’s official statement at the time of Tuanzebe’s departure in 2023 described him as a "fine character" and "universally respected as a credit to himself and his family," underscoring the high regard in which he was held despite his limited appearances.
Tuanzebe’s journey is notable not just for his club career but also for his international representation. Having played for England’s Under-21 side, he switched allegiance to the DR Congo national team, earning three senior caps since his debut in 2024. This international experience adds another layer to his professional narrative, illustrating his resilience and ongoing ambition despite setbacks.
The timing of the claim is particularly striking as it coincides with a pivotal moment in Tuanzebe’s career at Burnley, a club newly promoted to the Premier League. The prospect of facing Manchester United in the 2025–26 season introduces a potentially tense dynamic, given the ongoing legal dispute. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as events unfold both on and off the pitch.
Tuanzebe’s case also highlights broader issues surrounding player welfare and medical care in professional football. Injuries are an unfortunate but common aspect of the sport, and the quality of medical advice and rehabilitation can profoundly impact a player’s career trajectory. This lawsuit could prompt renewed scrutiny of how clubs manage injured players and the standards expected of their medical teams.
In the meantime, Tuanzebe appears determined to continue his career despite the challenges. His move to Burnley represents a fresh start and an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities at the highest level once again. Whether the legal proceedings will affect his on-field performance remains to be seen, but the case certainly adds a complex backdrop to what is already a compelling professional story.
As the Premier League season approaches, all eyes will be on Tuanzebe, Burnley, and Manchester United—not just for the football but for the unfolding legal drama that could have lasting implications for player-club relationships and medical accountability in the sport.
