Former Man United Defender Set to Sue Club Over Medical Advice | OneFootball

Axel Tuanzebe’s Lawsuit Puts Spotlight on Manchester United’s Medical Oversight

BBC Sport has reported that Axel Tuanzebe, once one of Manchester United’s most promising defenders, is suing his former club over alleged negligent medical advice. The 27-year-old, who recently signed with Burnley, has filed a high-value claim at the High Court believed to exceed £1 million.

This development is not just about legal battles, it raises important questions about how top clubs handle player injuries, medical care and long-term welfare.

From Academy Star to Legal Battle

Tuanzebe’s story is one familiar to many Manchester United fans. A product of the club’s academy, he joined at the age of eight and worked his way through the ranks, captaining at every level. His debut came in 2017, and despite limited first-team appearances — just 37 in total — he was seen as a loyal servant.

His last notable game was the 2021 Europa League final defeat to Villarreal, where he calmly converted his penalty in the marathon shootout that ended 11-10. Despite flashes of promise, injuries repeatedly halted his progress. In 2022 alone, he missed 195 days, a staggering amount for a player at such a critical stage of his career.

According to BBC Sport, the claim relates to an “unknown injury” from July 2022, though details remain under wraps as both Tuanzebe’s lawyers, Simons Muirhead Burton, and Manchester United have declined to comment.

Player Health or Club Priorities?

This case forces a hard look at where the line falls between pushing players for team needs and prioritising their long-term health. Tuanzebe’s multiple loan spells, including at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke, suggest a player searching for consistency and fitness but perhaps lacking the medical continuity required to properly rehabilitate.

A source close to the matter reportedly said, “It is considered a high value claim.” That, combined with his prolonged absences and a series of short-term moves, paints a picture of a career derailed, perhaps unnecessarily, by mismanagement.

Lessons for Football’s Future

While legal claims against football clubs are rare, they may become more common as players increasingly understand their rights and the responsibilities clubs owe them. Player welfare is no longer just about fitness on matchday, it is about long-term health, career longevity and life beyond the pitch.

For Manchester United, once a leader in academy development, this situation invites scrutiny on how they care for their own. For the rest of football, it is a stark reminder: success is not only measured in trophies but also in how clubs support the individuals who help deliver them.