Medical Negligence on Trial: Axel Tuanzebe vs Manchester United

The Legal Fight Over Injury Care at a Premier League Club

Manchester United finds itself facing a claim from a former player seeking compensation for alleged medical negligence leading to health issues.

According to Sky Sports, Axel Tuanzebe, now at Burnley, is demanding £1 million in compensation from the English club.

The 27-year-old accuses the club of medical negligence, saying a medical recommendation harmed his career and left him playing with limitations.

Tuanzebe's time at United saw several injuries, with documents blaming the club for medical negligence.

Tuanzebe joined United's academy at age eight and broke into the first team in early 2017.

One of his most notable injuries occurred in December 2019 against Colchester United in the League Cup, ending his season.

Now, for the first time, details have emerged of the core facts of the Tuanzebe case against Manchester United.

The main claim relates to a fracture in the left leg and a stress fracture in the lower spine, occurring in January 2020.

It is said the injuries caused significant pain and discomfort since their deterioration.

The suit alleges the issue became chronic by July 2022 when he suffered the same problem on the right side of his lower spine.

Sky says the proper treatment plans would have prevented the pain and allowed him to play elite football without restrictions.

Despite continuing at the elite level, it affected his career and earnings.

Tuanzebe and his legal team claim United did not provide sufficient time off to rest and did not refer him to a spinal specialist when the initial fracture occurred.

The suit adds that Tuanzebe believes the spine problem would not have worsened on his left or right side if United had handled the matter differently.

So far Manchester United has declined to comment while awaiting the outcome of the case.

The Rise and Trials of Axel Tuanzebe

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997, he moved to England as a child and joined United's academy, captaining youth teams and showing leadership early.

He progressed to United's first team in 2017 under Jose Mourinho, who praised him as a future defender.

He featured in domestic and European matches but failed to secure a regular place due to recurring injuries and fierce competition in central defense.

He delivered standout performances, notably against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020 Champions League, limiting Kylian Mbappé's threat.

He spent several loan spells seeking playing time, with Aston Villa helping them reach the Premier League in 2018–19, and had spells at Napoli and Stoke City.

In 2023, he joined Ipswich Town, hoping to revive his career after years of injuries, before moving to Burnley this year.

A Nightmare Haunts Football Stars

Chronic injuries stand as one of football’s biggest challenges, threatening not only match participation but career trajectories.

In the modern game, such injuries are more common among star players due to fixture congestion and high physical demands.

A chronic injury is one that recurs in the same area or persists despite treatment, such as knee injuries, hamstrings, or ankles.

They often arise from overloading, rapid returns to play, or inadequate rehabilitation after the initial injury; players drift between playing and downtime for years.

Prominent examples include Marco Reus, Samuel Umtiti, and Eden Hazard, with others like Gareth Bale and Neymar spending long spells out of action, affecting form.

The impact is not only physical but mental, eroding confidence and fear of re-injury.

This reality shapes club decisions on contracts and transfers, causing some talents to lose market value quickly.

Meanwhile, top clubs are investing in medical and rehabilitation departments using movement analysis and biometric data to mitigate risks.

Yet, despite advances, chronic injuries remain a harsh reality of football, a reminder that glory comes at a price.

And if injuries paid the rent, Tuanzebe would own the stadium by now.

In football, the only thing heavier than a doctor’s bill is the transfer fee for the player who can’t stay on the pitch.