Manchester United have reportedly been sued by former player Axel Tuanzebe over "clinical negligence" that contributed to his injury struggles.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Tuanzebe is a product of the Red Devils' fabled academy system. He joined the club at the age of eight and captained them at every youth level, before making his senior debut in January 2017 and going on to make 37 competitive appearances.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
More minutes were picked up during loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City, but fitness problems hampered his progress. The DR Congo international puts those issues down to questionable “medical advice”.
According to The Telegraph, Tuanzebe has “lodged a legal claim at the High Court”. Lawyers working on behalf of the 27-year-old have declined to comment on the case, which comes some two years after the defender left Old Trafford on a permanent basis.
Article continues below
Axel Tuanzebe Ipswich Manchester United 2024-25Getty
DID YOU KNOW?
Tuanzebe joined Ipswich in 2023, becoming their first choice right-back and helping to earn promotion into the Premier League. He left Portman Road as a free agent on the back of relegation, when his contract expired, and has since linked up with top-flight new boys Burnley.
TELL ME MORE
Tuanzebe’s injury struggles started when picking up a hip complaint ahead of a meeting with Liverpool in October 2019. Another knock suffered in a Carabao Cup clash with Colchester sidelined him for the rest of that season.
Axel Tuanzebe Manchester UnitedGetty
WHAT NEXT FOR TUANZEBE?
A foot injury kept him out at the start of the following campaign, with another lengthy spell on the treatment table endured at the start of the 2022-23 season. His fortunes improved after joining Ipswich, but he did suffer a freak injury there in October 2024 when requiring surgery to save a thumb that he cut badly while doing washing-up.