Axel Tuanzebe, a defender who spent a significant portion of his developmental years at Manchester United, is reportedly taking legal action against his former club. The 27-year-old has filed a claim with the High Court, alleging “clinical negligence” on the part of the club`s medical staff, claiming their advice exacerbated or contributed to the string of injuries that hindered his progress at Old Trafford.
A Product of the Academy
Tuanzebe was a highly-rated prospect within the famed Manchester United academy system, joining the club at the tender age of eight. He rose through the ranks, captaining various youth teams, and eventually made his senior debut in January 2017. Over the following years, he accumulated 37 competitive appearances for the Red Devils.
The Frustration of Injuries
Despite showing flashes of promise, Tuanzebe`s tenure at United, and subsequent loan spells at clubs like Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City, were frequently interrupted by fitness issues. These recurring physical setbacks undeniably stalled his development and limited his opportunities to establish himself as a first-team regular.
The legal claim specifically targets the medical advice provided by Manchester United during this period. While the precise details of the alleged negligence remain undisclosed, the lawsuit suggests Tuanzebe believes the club`s handling of his injuries or their guidance on his rehabilitation and return to play were flawed, leading to further complications or prolonged absence from the pitch.
A Timeline of Setbacks
Tuanzebe`s injury struggles became particularly notable from late 2019 onwards. A hip problem sidelined him ahead of a crucial match. A subsequent knock suffered in a Carabao Cup fixture kept him out for the remainder of that season. The following campaign began with a foot injury, and he endured another significant period on the treatment table at the start of the 2022-23 season.
These intermittent but often lengthy spells on the sidelines paint a clear picture of a player battling consistently against his own body, or as the lawsuit implies, potentially against the efficacy of his treatment plan under the club`s care.
Life After Old Trafford
Tuanzebe departed Manchester United permanently two years ago. His career since then has included a successful spell at Ipswich Town in 2023, where he became a key player at right-back and contributed significantly to their promotion to the Premier League. He left Ipswich as a free agent this summer and has since signed for fellow top-flight newcomers, Burnley.
Even his time away from United hasn`t been entirely free of unusual injury drama. While at Ipswich, he suffered a rather unfortunate, albeit serious, “freak injury” in October 2024, requiring surgery to save a severely cut thumb sustained, of all things, while doing washing-up. One could perhaps ironically note that while the source of injury may change, the theme of needing medical attention appears stubbornly persistent in his career trajectory.
The Legal Challenge
The decision to file a High Court claim two years after leaving the club indicates a considered legal process is underway. Representatives for Tuanzebe have, perhaps predictably, declined to comment publicly on the ongoing case, maintaining the standard silence surrounding active legal proceedings.
This lawsuit brings into focus the significant responsibility football clubs bear for the health and well-being of their players, particularly regarding injury management and the medical advice provided. The outcome of Tuanzebe`s claim could potentially set a precedent or at least highlight the scrutiny placed on clubs` medical practices.
