A former Manchester United star is suing the club over ‘clinical negligence’ linked to ‘medical advice’ just two years after leaving Old Trafford
14:18, 14 Jul 2025
Axel Tuanzebe of Manchester United during the Pre Season Friendly fixture between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford
Axel Tuanzebe is preparing to take Man Utd to court over claims of 'criminal negligence'(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Axel Tuanzebe is taking legal action against his former club Manchester United over alleged "clinical negligence" in connection with the "medical advice" he received, two years after leaving Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old left the club at the end of his contract after the 2022-23 season, having come through the youth ranks at United. Two years on, Tuanzebe has filed a lawsuit at the High Court, as reported by the Telegraph.
Whilst details remain vague, Sky Sports reports that on July 9, Tuanzebe initiated a High Court claim tied to a clinical negligence case involving "medical advice".
Tuanzebe's time at Old Trafford was recurrently marred by injuries, meaning he was never able to secure a starting role in United's first team.
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe (C) vies for the ball with Manchester United's English defender Axel Tuanzebe (L) during the UEFA Champions League Group H first-leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester United at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on October 20, 2020
Injuries marred Axel Tuanzebe's time at Man Utd(Image: FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)
Tuanzebe joined United as an eight-year-old and captained the club at various youth levels, making his first-team bow in January 2017. However, over the subsequent six-and-a-half years, he featured a mere 37 times for the senior side.
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The defender's struggles began with a hip injury sustained in a pre-match warm-up, causing him to miss a Premier League match against Liverpool in October 2019.
His misfortunes were compounded when, following a Carabao Cup win over Colchester United later that year, he sustained a season-ending injury.
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A further extended stint away from the pitch came in the early months of the 2022/23 campaign, with Tuanzebe only rejoining training over the New Year. Nevertheless, a successful loan to Ipswich allowed him to clock up over 40 appearances, cementing his place as their primary right-back.
In their farewell message, United praised Tuanzebe's nearly 20 years at the club, describing him as universally respected and a credit to both himself and his family.
Tuanzebe spent loan stints at Aston Villa, where he won the Championship play-off finals, as well as time at Napoli and Stoke City.
Axel Tuanzebe of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Brentford FC at Portman Road on May 10, 2025 in Ipswich, England
Tuanzebe played for Ipswich in the Premier League last season(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
The DR Congo international's performances were instrumental in Ipswich Town's promotion to the Premier League, but after his contract expired, he joined Burnley.
Newly promoted Burnley will now call on his experience as they prepare for Premier League action after finishing runners-up in the Championship last season.
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Daily Star Sport has contacted Burnley and Man Utd for comment.