Axel Tuanzebe Sues Man United: The Injury Battle That Sparked a Legal Storm

From Old Trafford to the Courtroom: Tuanzebe’s Injury Saga Sparks Legal Showdown

After nearly two decades in red, Axel Tuanzebe is taking on Manchester United, not on the pitch, but in the High Court. The Congolese defender has filed a lawsuit against his boyhood club, alleging medical negligence during his final season with the team. And according to reports, it’s a claim that could cost United more than £1 million.

It’s not just about money. For Tuanzebe, who joined United’s academy at the age of eight and climbed the ranks to first-team captaincy at the youth level, this case is deeply personal.

What Went Wrong?

The story begins in July 2022, when Tuanzebe reportedly suffered an injury that sidelined him for more than six months. In that final season under contract at United, he missed a staggering 195 days of football. By January 2023, he was loaned out to Stoke City in a move many fans saw as a last chance to reignite his career. But even there, he managed only five appearances before exiting Old Trafford quietly in the summer.

For a player once tipped as United’s next defensive stalwart, even scoring in the penalty shootout of the 2021 Europa League final, the silence around his injuries always felt unsettling. Now, we may be learning why.

A Club Stalwart Turns Plaintiff

Tuanzebe’s lawsuit, filed through the legal firm Simons Muirhead Burton, accuses Manchester United of negligent medical treatment linked to that 2022 injury. Although neither his legal team nor the club has issued public statements, insiders suggest the legal claim could surpass the million-pound mark.

The defender, now 27 and signed with Burnley, is still in his prime years. But the long injury layoff during a key stage of his development, especially at a club as competitive as United, may have left long-term consequences, both physically and professionally.

Image 1: GiveMeSport

Fans React: “This Can’t Be Swept Under the Rug”

On social media, fans have responded with a mix of sympathy and shock. Some United supporters expressed disappointment in the club’s alleged handling of one of their own, while others called for transparency in how top-level teams manage player health.

“Injuries happen, but if this was preventable, someone needs to be held accountable,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “Axel always gave his all. If this is true, United let him down.”

Football’s Silent Epidemic?

Tuanzebe’s case isn’t isolated. His lawsuit opens up broader questions about how elite football clubs treat, and sometimes mistreat, their injured players. The Premier League may be glamorous on the surface, but behind the scenes, career-altering injuries are a reality for many.

For African players like Tuanzebe, who now represents the DR Congo national team after previously playing for England U21, the stakes are even higher. Injuries can derail international hopes and future transfers, especially when your early career is built on promise, not protection.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the football world is watching closely. Whether the court rules in Tuanzebe’s favour or not, his decision to speak up could encourage other players to do the same.

From Carrington training grounds to the High Court chambers, Axel Tuanzebe’s battle is far from over. But one thing is clear: he’s not just fighting for justice for himself; he’s pushing for accountability in a game that often leaves its wounded behind.

Also read: Siya’s Back: Kolisi Returns to Captain the Boks with Three Fresh Faces in the Front Row

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Source: SABC Sport

Featured Image: Sky Sports