Axel Tuanzebe looked set for big things at Manchester United but in a career which has been hampered by injury he has still earned a place in the Premier League with Burnley
Axel Tuanzebe
Axel Tuanzebe is currently with Burnley(Image: Getty Images)
View 5 Images
Axel Tuanzebe was once touted as a future captain of Manchester United by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after progressing through the academy ranks at Old Trafford.
But he now finds himself suing his former as he reportedly seeks £1million in damages from United for allegedly harming his career. Tuanzebe, who now plays for Burnley, claims United are to blame for medical issues which he says continue to impact his career.
The defender has struggled with injury throughout his career and it emerged in July that Tuanzebe was filing a lawsuit against United for alleged “clinical negligence”.
Tuanzebe's story with United started many years ago in the academy, with the talented defender making his senior debut at 19 when he played in the FA Cup against Wigan. He would extend his contract just days later. The youngster had already captained the academy side and won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award before claiming the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year.
Things were going well as he made his Champions League debut the following season before being handed the opportunity to prove himself on loan at Aston Villa. This was a tougher endeavour as he made just five appearances due to injury, and the form of John Terry and James Chester saw him struggle for playing time.
However, the Midlands side must have seen something they liked, as he returned the very next season and had even greater success, eventually playing 90 minutes in the play-off final win over Derby. Tuanzebe was able to learn from Terry, who transitioned into a coaching role.
"I have a good relationship with John," he told manutd.com. "He helps me a lot every day and continuously gives me pointers on how to improve my game."
Axel Tuanzebe presented with the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award
Axel Tuanzebe of Manchester United is presented with the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award by Nicky Butt
View 5 Images
That season saw him return to United with the opportunity to truly break through. It wasn't long before, at 21, he became the youngest player to captain United since Norman Whiteside in 1985, during a September 2019 win over Rochdale.
While it appeared Tuanzebe could be a regular starter his progress was hampered by first a hip injury and then a season-ending hamstring injury that, combined with a pre-season ankle injury, kept him out for 10 months.
Tuanzebe soon drew praise for an impressive Champions League outing against Paris Saint-Germain, before becoming a Europa League regular and making 19 Premier League appearances. It was even in this role that his leadership stood out.
Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley
Axel Tuanzebe left Manchester United in 2023 and now plays for Burnley
View 5 Images
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw him as a future captain of the club. The Norwegian coach had plenty of faith in his charge.
"Axel is a captain in the making, he's a leader. Why not give it to young kids?" Solskjaer told Talksport in 2020. "How does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it. It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him."
"We have a lot of leaders in the dressing room, a lot of senior pros,” Harry Maguire said in 2021. “And you don’t have to be a senior pro to be a leader. Axel is a leader, in the ways that he works and speaks in the dressing room.
Harry Maguire and Axel Tuanzebe
Harry Maguire and Axel Tuanzebe(Image: Getty Images)
View 5 Images
“And he’s only a young boy, he’s still learning his trade. I’m sure he’ll go on to have an unbelievable career."
But Tuanzebe's progress was not able to continue at Old Trafford and 2021/22 saw him split the season between Aston Villa and Napoli. Only 13 appearances followed that season and injury disrupted the prospect's chances of impressing Erik Ten Hag.
A final loan to Stoke City ended his United career, as struggles with fitness hampered his time there.
(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
View 5 Images
Ipswich Town and former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna was willing to hand Tuanzebe an opportunity on a one-year deal, however. The Tractor Boys' boss McKenna said: "We want to build him up in a sensible way and get him back to his best condition. If we do that, we feel we could have a very valuable asset for the team."
It took until the second part of the season for the defender to establish himself in the team, but he helped them gain promotion to the Premier League. The defender's deal was extended, and despite requiring surgery to save his thumb in an accident while washing dishes, Tuanzebe made 22 league appearances.
Ipswich failed to stay up but Tuanzebe remains in the Premier League after completing a free transfer to Burnley. After missing the start of the season, Tuanzebe has completed 90 minutes in the Clarets' last five top-flight games under Scott Parker.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image