Manchester United is facing a civil claim in the British High Court after a former youth trainee alleged the club failed to protect him from sexual abuse in the 1980s.
The claimant’s identity has not been disclosed for privacy reasons.
The claim, filed in early November by law firm Simpson Millar, concerns the conduct of Billy Watts, a former employee at United’s former training ground, The Cliff, in Salford.
Watts, who died in 2009, faced disciplinary action in 1989 and was relocated from the training site following a complaint.
The claimant says United did not take adequate steps to protect him while he was under the club’s care and supervision.
The allegations also cite the Sheldon Review, an independent investigation commissioned by the Football Association into historical sexual abuse in English football, which highlighted concerns about Watts’ conduct.
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Simpson Millar said the claimant “had no option but to pursue formal court proceedings” after attempts to resolve the matter outside court reportedly failed.
Manchester United has not issued a detailed public comment on the claim.
The case raises questions about the club’s historical safeguarding responsibilities and could prompt wider scrutiny of youth development practices across football.
The legal process is at an early stage and may involve document exchanges, mediation, or a full trial if the matter is not settled.