Former Manchester United midfielder faces £2m lawsuit

Manchester United have seen several former players make headlines away from the pitch in recent years, with some becoming involved in high-profile legal disputes.

Former academy defender Axel Tuanzebe, for example, launched legal action against United in 2025 over alleged medical negligence during his time at Old Trafford.

The defender claimed that inadequate treatment of a back injury had affected his career and earning potential, seeking damages exceeding £1 million.

It was an unusual development involving a player who had spent 17 years within United’s system before moving on to pursue his career elsewhere.

Legal disagreements involving football clubs and their former employees can also extend beyond playing contracts, particularly when questions arise over transfers and contractual obligations.

Another former United academy graduate has now found himself at the centre of a dispute involving two English clubs.

Former Manchester United midfielder faces £2m lawsuit

Forest Green owner Dale Vince has announced that he is suing Peterborough United and former Manchester United academy graduate Robbie Savage for £2 million following the manager’s departure from the National League club.

The claim relates to an alleged illegal approach for Savage, with Vince arguing that the £2m figure represents the buyout clause in his former manager’s contract.

Speaking on Sky Sports News on Friday, as relayed by Peterborough Telegraph, Vince said, “It’s not all sorted. It’s now gone legal and we are suing Peterborough and Robbie Savage for £2 million which was the buy out clause we were cheated out of.

“That process started last week.

“What has come to light in the last two weeks is an abundance of evidence of an approach made by the chairman of Peterborough himself, while he’s been denying any such approach was made.

“That’s quite aggrieving really. I know people will say ‘it’s just football’, but we shouldn’t just shrug our shoulders and allow badness to happen.”

Robbie Savage left Forest Green in early October after just over a year in charge, having guided them to seventh place and the National League play-off eliminators the previous season.

He had been appointed in July 2025 after a successful spell at Macclesfield, where he won promotion to the National League North.

His move to Peterborough marked his first managerial job in the Football League.

His start has been mixed; after beating Leicester City in his first League One match, Posh have struggled for consistency and currently sit 21st in the league.