Former Player Launches Explosive £1 Million Lawsuit Against Manchester United

Ex-Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is proceeding with a £1 million ($1.32 million) legal action against his former club.

The 27-year-old defender, currently with Premier League newcomers Burnley, came through United's youth system in 2015 and made 37 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils.

However, Tuanzebe's United career was plagued by fitness problems. He was sidelined for 42 matches representing club and country from December 2019 through October 2020, and also sat out a significant portion of the 2022–23 campaign before his contract expired that summer.

Tuanzebe's Legal Claims Against Manchester United

The specifics of Tuanzebe's legal case against United, filed with the High Court in July, have been disclosed by Sky News.

Tuanzebe sustained a stress fracture in his lower back in January 2020—an injury that has caused "considerable pain and discomfort since its onset and worsening." The defender claims the condition became chronic in July 2022 after suffering the same injury on the right side of his lower back, and believes United's medical team failed to provide adequate care and specialist attention.

"Proper treatment protocols would, more likely than not, have prevented the claimant from experiencing the pain and discomfort outlined below and would have enabled him to compete in professional football at the highest level without limitation or hindrance," the legal filing states.

"As matters stand, while he continues competing at elite level, this has affected his career trajectory and potential earnings."

Typically, players are referred to external specialists to assess injury severity and develop treatment strategies, but Tuanzebe contends that United neglected to send him to an independent consultant. This oversight, he argues, likely contributed to the condition becoming a persistent issue.

Tuanzebe's legal representatives are reportedly seeking damages "exceeding £1 million"—a sum calculated based on projected lost income from salaries and performance bonuses.

Tuanzebe's Rationale for Legal Action Despite Continued Play

While Tuanzebe continues competing at top level with Burnley, the legal documents indicate he can no longer perform "without limitation or hindrance."

This implies that Tuanzebe, who has also had spells at Ipswich Town and Stoke City, is currently managing his condition at Turf Moor and cannot operate at maximum physical capability.

Manchester United, who have demonstrated marked progress in recent weeks under Ruben Amorim, have refused to provide comment on the legal proceedings.