Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has launched legal proceedings against the club over alleged clinical negligence relating to medical advice he received during his injury-plagued tenure at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old, who currently plays for Burnley, lodged a High Court claim approximately two years ago when he departed United.
According to the Telegraph, the lawsuit centres on the medical guidance provided by the club during a career severely disrupted by persistent injuries.
Tuanzebe made just 37 senior appearances for United despite joining their academy at age eight and progressing through every level.
Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has launched legal proceedings against the club over alleged clinical negligence relating to medical advice he received during his injury-plagued tenure at Old Trafford
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Legal representatives for the centre-back have declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings.
Tuanzebe's journey at United began when he joined the club's academy as an eight-year-old prospect. He rose through the ranks to captain the Red Devils at every youth level, marking himself as one of the club's most promising defensive talents.
Despite showing glimpses of his potential at senior level, including an impressive Champions League performance against Paris Saint-Germain where he successfully contained Kylian Mbappe, Tuanzebe never established himself as a regular first-team player.
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Axel Tuanzebe's time at Man United was marred by injuries
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His time at Old Trafford included loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City.
The defender ultimately left United on a free transfer in 2023 after struggling to overcome recurring injury problems that limited his involvement.
Tuanzebe's injury troubles began in October 2019 when he sustained a hip problem during the warm-up before United's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
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Just two months later, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering another injury during a Carabao Cup victory over Colchester in December.
A foot injury prevented him from starting the following campaign. The defender endured another extended absence at the beginning of the 2023/23 season, unable to train until January.
His injury woes continued beyond his United departure. In October, Tuanzebe required surgery after cutting his thumb whilst washing up, missing four matches.
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He subsequently suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him from early December to mid-January, followed by a broken thumb in March.
The contrast between Tuanzebe's limited opportunities at United and his subsequent career is stark.
Axel Tuanzebe recently joined Burnley from Ipswich
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During two seasons with Ipswich Town, he made more appearances than across his entire seven-year period from his Manchester United debut to his 2023 departure.
The defender's legal action against United comes after a career trajectory dramatically altered by the injuries that began six years ago.