Axel Tuanzebe, the Congolese defender currently at Burnley, has filed a lawsuit against his former club, Manchester United, accusing them of medical negligence following an injury sustained in mid-2022.
The claim, titled Tuanzebe v Manchester United Football Club Limited, has been officially lodged with the courts in England, alleging that the club failed to provide proper medical advice during his recovery.
In July 2022, Tuanzebe suffered a significant injury that kept him sidelined for over six months, resulting in his absence from 35 matches, including international fixtures.
The 27-year-old defender believes that with proper medical intervention, his recovery period could have been much shorter, leading him to take legal action against Manchester United for their handling of the situation.
Tuanzebe, who had been part of Manchester United’s first team for six years, made 37 appearances during his time at the club. However, his tenure was often marred by injury setbacks, which contributed to his eventual departure. In the summer of 2023, he joined Ipswich Town, seeking to rebuild his career after a series of frustrating injury problems.
The legal claim raises concerns over the level of medical care Tuanzebe received during his time at Manchester United, particularly the advice and treatment provided in the wake of the 2022 injury.
Tuanzebe’s legal representatives contend that a more effective medical approach could have resulted in a faster recovery, allowing the player to return to action much sooner.
The exact details of the injury and the medical negligence claims have not been fully disclosed, but the lawsuit represents a significant step in the defender’s efforts to seek redress for what he believes was inadequate medical care.
Manchester United, when contacted by The Guardian for a response, declined to comment on the matter, which has now entered the legal process.
The club’s stance on the issue remains unclear, but the lawsuit has certainly attracted attention given Tuanzebe’s long association with the club and the nature of the claim.
Tuanzebe’s time at Manchester United was filled with promise but also marked by frustration. Despite being highly regarded for his potential as a central defender, he struggled to maintain consistent fitness.
The injury in 2022 was particularly devastating, as it sidelined him for a significant period during a crucial stage of his career. The prolonged absence was seen as a blow to his development, and the player has since sought opportunities to reignite his career elsewhere.
After leaving Manchester United, Tuanzebe’s move to Ipswich Town in 2023 provided him with a fresh start in the Championship. He now looks to put his injury woes behind him and focus on returning to his best form at Burnley, where he joined in the most recent transfer window.
The lawsuit against Manchester United brings to light the challenges many players face when it comes to recovering from injuries at top-flight clubs, where medical teams and recovery protocols are under constant scrutiny.
Tuanzebe’s case will likely raise important questions about the standards of medical care provided to players and the potential impact of medical negligence on their careers.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Tuanzebe will be hoping for a favorable resolution that could provide both financial compensation and closure as he looks to move forward with his career.
