Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe has filed a legal claim against Manchester United, accusing the club of failing to treat a spinal injury “promptly and appropriately.”
The 27-year-old centre-back claims that United’s medical staff mishandled his back injury, leading to long-term damage that now prevents him from playing without restriction or discomfort. He is seeking damages exceeding £1 million for career and income loss. According to verified court filings obtained by verified media houses, the claim is currently lodged at the High Court in London under “Clinical Negligence – Medical Advice.”
Through this article on Odds96, let’s understand what this case is and what really happened.
What Is the Case About?
The Congolese player Tuanzebe’s case centres on an alleged pars fracture, a stress fracture in the lower spine, that was not treated properly during his time at Manchester United.
Key points:
- Filed under clinical negligence, claiming United failed to investigate, refer, and treat the spinal injury on time.
- The initial injury occurred in January 2020, developing into a bilateral (both-sided) fracture by July 2022.
- Tuanzebe alleges the club’s failure to provide specialist care caused permanent discomfort and restricted movement.
- His legal team claims these medical errors directly affected his ability to compete at an elite level and reduced future earnings.
- The player seeks over £1,000,000 in damages, citing lasting physical and professional consequences.
Manchester United have declined to comment on the ongoing case.
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What Really Happened?
Early Career and Injury Timeline
- Tuanzebe joined Manchester United’s academy at age 8 and made 37 senior appearances between 2017 and 2023.
- His early career was promising, captaining youth sides and earning first-team minutes under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
- Persistent injuries led to multiple loans to Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City, where back issues continued to surface.
The Injury and Alleged Negligence
- December 2019: Picked up a hamstring issue in a Carabao Cup tie against Colchester United.
- January 2020: MRI scans revealed a left-sided spinal stress fracture (pars defect).
- The claim says United’s doctors did not refer him to a spinal specialist or provide adequate rest. He allegedly returned to training too soon, worsening the injury.
- By July 2022, the condition had progressed to grade-4 fractures on both sides of the spine.
- During his Napoli loan (2022), scans showed chronic spinal damage, yet the United medical team reportedly described it as “disc irritation.”
- The lawsuit claims this misdiagnosis and early return to play caused the long-term deterioration.
Current Impact
- Tuanzebe says he still plays in pain and cannot perform without limitation.
- The injury, according to his legal filing, reduced his transfer value and future earnings.
- Despite this, he continues to represent Burnley FC in the Premier League.
Conclusion
This lawsuit highlights growing scrutiny of injury management within top-flight football.
Tuanzebe’s claim, supported by detailed medical reports and filed at the High Court could set an important precedent if successful.
If proven, the ruling may redefine how Premier League clubs handle player rehabilitation and specialist referrals. For now, the case remains active, with United expected to contest both liability and causation.
Tuanzebe continues to rebuild his career at Burnley football club, but the legal fight over how his injury was handled could have lasting implications for football medicine across England. For all updates related to Burnley and world football, follow Odds96.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Axel Tuanzebe?
A1: A Manchester United academy graduate, Tuanzebe made 37 senior appearances before joining Burnley FC. He’s known for his defensive versatility and leadership.
Q2: What injury is he suing over?
A2: A pars fracture (stress fracture in the lower spine) allegedly mishandled between 2020-2022, which worsened due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Q3: How much is he seeking in damages?
A3: The High Court filing states Tuanzebe expects to recover over £1,000,000 for lost earnings and lasting discomfort.
Q4: Has Manchester United responded?
A4: As of November 2025, the club has not issued any public comment on the lawsuit.
Q5: Is Tuanzebe still playing?
A5: Yes, he currently plays for Burnley FC in the Premier League, though he claims to still experience discomfort linked to the spinal injury.
