Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has initiated legal action against the club, alleging clinical negligence related to medical advice he received during his time at Old Trafford, according to the Telegraph UK.

The 27-year-old, who departed United in 2023 after the expiration of his contract, has filed a lawsuit at the High Court in London.

While his legal team has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, the action reportedly centers on treatment and guidance provided by the club’s medical staff over a period marked by recurring injuries.

Tuanzebe’s professional career at Manchester United was repeatedly interrupted by physical setbacks. After making his senior debut in January 2017, the DR Congo international—who represented England at youth level—was limited to just 37 appearances over more than six years with the club.

Injuries first derailed his momentum in October 2019, when he was withdrawn from a starting lineup shortly before kickoff against Liverpool due to a hip issue. He later sustained another injury in December that same year during a League Cup match against Colchester United, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

The pattern continued into subsequent campaigns, including a foot injury that delayed his return at the start of the 2020–21 season. In early 2023, he experienced another prolonged absence before returning to fitness and moving on loan to Stoke City. He later joined Ipswich Town, where he played over 40 matches and helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League, although they were relegated the following season.

Now with Burnley, Tuanzebe is believed to be pursuing legal recourse for what he views as mishandled treatment or misjudged medical decisions that may have contributed to or exacerbated his injury issues.

Manchester United have not yet issued a response to the lawsuit, which comes two years after the club announced his departure in a public statement describing him as a respected figure who “represented Manchester United with class and dignity.”

The legal claim is the second dispute involving Tuanzebe and the club. In 2024, a licensed intermediary lodged a complaint with the Football Association (FA), alleging United failed to fulfil a financial commitment related to the player’s loan move to Stoke City. That matter is reportedly still under review by the FA.