Ex-Manchester United Star Sues Club for Medical Malpractice in Shocking Legal Battle
Former Manchester United youth product and current Burnley center-back Axel Tuanzebe is taking legal action against his previous club for alleged "clinical negligence", according to recent reports.
Tuanzebe became part of United's setup at age 8 and received his first-team opportunity under José Mourinho in 2017. Throughout various loan periods at Aston Villa during his development phase, the adaptable defender frequently struggled with fitness problems. Following only 37 first-team matches for United, Tuanzebe departed in 2023.
Now, two years later, the 27-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo player has filed a formal legal complaint in the High Court, alleging Manchester United of "clinical negligence" concerning "medical guidance" given by the organization, according to The Telegraph.
The UK Government describes "clinical negligence" as "an action or failure to take action (omission) that falls short of the standard of suitable care anticipated, and causes harm or damage. When a physician or medical professional is negligent while providing patient care, this constitutes 'clinical negligence'."
During the six-and-a-half-year period from his debut to his final exit, Tuanzebe missed 572 days due to different fitness concerns, according to Transfermarkt. These complications included everything from foot bone fractures to spinal discomfort. A foot injury sustained in summer 2020 forced Tuanzebe to miss 22 straight games.
Upon his much-anticipated comeback from that specific setback, Tuanzebe was immediately thrust into an intense Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain. The alert and agile defender produced an exceptional performance against a team led by Ángel Di María, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé.
"I'm thrilled for him because he's such a dedicated individual," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær praised after the match. "He desires success; he puts in tremendous effort, he's been extremely thorough during his recovery. I'm very happy for him.
"To achieve consistency in his displays, he must remain fit and we must handle that properly," Solskjær significantly noted. "That's my responsibility and his, along with the medical team, naturally." Based on Tuanzebe's alleged legal case, some fulfilled their duties more effectively than others.
This sensitive matter could create an uncomfortable scenario during the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, when Tuanzebe might face Manchester United as an opponent. Following another injury-plagued season with relegated Ipswich Town, the defender was signed by newly-promoted Burnley, who are set to play at Old Trafford before August concludes.