Tuanzebe, who currently plays for Premier League side Burnley, alleges that inadequate medical care during his Manchester United tenure left him with long-term spinal issues, limiting his ability to play without pain or restriction.

The legal action focuses on a left-sided pars fracture an injury to the lower spine, first sustained by the 26-year-old in January 2020. The injury, which caused “significant pain and discomfort,” was followed by a similar issue on the right side in July 2022.

According to court documents, Tuanzebe claims United failed to provide proper rest or refer him to a specialist spinal surgeon, resulting in the injury’s worsening and long-term effects on his career. He argues that timely, appropriate treatment could have prevented the pain and allowed him to continue playing at an elite level without limitations.

The court papers states, “Appropriate treatment plans would, on the balance of probabilities, have resulted in the claimant avoiding the pain and discomfort… and being able to play professional football at an elite level without restriction or impediment. As it is, although he continues to play at an elite level, this has impacted his career and earnings.”

The lawsuit further alleges that Manchester United’s medical staff negligently failed to investigate the injuries properly, leading to the progression of the fractures to “bilateral grade 4” and the development of a chronic left-sided spinal condition. The claim suggests that had Tuanzebe been given sufficient rest and specialist care, his injuries would not have escalated, and the right-sided fracture might have been avoided altogether.

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Tuanzebe spent 17 years at the club before leaving in 2023. Despite a promising start, including a senior debut in 2017, his time at Old Trafford was marred by recurring injuries. One such setback came in December 2019, when a season-ending injury against Colchester United in the Carabao Cup left him sidelined for months.

In his lawsuit, Tuanzebe seeks damages in excess of £1 million. However, Manchester United has yet to issue a public comment on the legal proceedings.

Source: Punch