Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has reportedly filed a £1 million lawsuit against his former club, claiming that medical negligence during his time at Old Trafford harmed his career.
Now playing for Burnley, the 27-year-old alleges that United failed to treat a spinal injury promptly and appropriately, leaving him with long-term complications that continue to affect his performance.
According to reports, Tuanzebe’s case — now lodged at the High Court in London — centres on stress fractures in his spine that were first diagnosed in January 2020 and allegedly worsened by July 2022.
The Congolese international, who spent 17 years at Manchester United after joining the academy as an eight-year-old, claims the club’s medical staff failed to rest him, refer him to a specialist, or properly investigate his injuries.
Court documents reportedly state:
“As a result, the claimant’s symptoms significantly progressed to bilateral grade 4 fractures… Had he been appropriately rested, the chronic condition would have been avoided.”
Tuanzebe argues that the club’s alleged negligence left him unable to play “without restriction or impediment” and caused him “significant pain and discomfort” since 2022.
He is now seeking damages exceeding £1,000,000, saying the injury has impacted his career trajectory and earnings despite continuing to play at the elite level.
Tuanzebe made 37 first-team appearances for Manchester United before leaving at the end of the 2022/23 season. He later joined Burnley after a stint with Ipswich Town.
Manchester United have not yet issued a public statement on the lawsuit.
