One Manchester United new summer recruit whose initial contributions have been swept under the carpet in recent weeks is Tyrell Malacia.
The Dutchman’s arrival was not filled with the usual hype and it happened so fast that fans were left in shock. But the full-back from Feyenoord was a specific request from Erik ten Hag who was a big admirer from his Ajax days.
And while his start was slow, he soon showed his ability on the pitch and made five straight starts in the Premier League following Luke Shaw‘s horror show in the opening two games.
But a disappointing performance against Manchester City saw him lose his place and he has had to do with a one appearance in an unfamiliar right-back position in the league since.
Malacia was solid initially
Apart from on-pitch heroics, Malacia has helped hugely in Shaw regaining his hunger and appetite. He has pushed the Englishman all the way, which has brought out the best in Shaw consistently.
He has also shown his versatility, playing at right-back on a couple of occasions and even doubling up as a centre-back for his national team.
To be successful, every club needs such team players willing to sacrifice for the good of the side and never complaining about the cards they are dealt with.
Ten Hag has spoken out about his love for players who have the positional awareness and discipline to occupy multiple positions in a team.
Despite being picked in the Dutch national team for the World Cup, the 23-year-old failed to play a single minute and returned fresh for club duty.
He has started in both post World Cup games for United in his favoured left-back slot and has impressed with his ferocious displays.
And the Dutch full-back revealed how frustrating an experience it was to stay out of the starting line-up.
Malacia making a difference both on the pitch & in training
“It is of course difficult when you are not allowed minutes,” he told ViaPlay, relayed by Voetbal Primeur.
“You keep hoping every game and you do your best at training. You try to support the team as much as possible, but it’s definitely difficult.
“I want to play every game, so yes, it’s definitely hard when you sit there for so many weeks and you don’t play. Sure, I’ve had a moment of I’m through for a while.
“But you always have to recover. You never know if you have to be there. You always have to be ready.”
Malacia has made a total of 17 appearances in all competitions, starting in 14 of them. Not the worst stats to have in your debut season in the Premier League.
And now that he is back, hopefully, Malacia can push Shaw all the way, something that can only be positive for United going forward.
Manchester United takeover ‘could be coming very soon’ as update emerges
Manchester United’s takeover could be completed ‘very soon’ as the club prepares for new ownership.
The Red Devils are currently up for sale with the Glazer family keen for a full sale of the club as they put the Premier League giants on the market last month after 17 years of ownership.
The Glazers are looking to sell United with a deal potentially in line to be done in the coming months
Supporters at Old Trafford are counting down the days until the Glazer family move on
Valued between between £6billion-£7billion, the Glazer family have a hugely attractive proposition on their hands as they look to offload to a super-rich buyer, amid ongoing fan protests in and around Old Trafford.
With interested parties starting to emerge, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has suggested that a deal could be done before too long.
Ornstein told USA Network: “The Raine Bank who are in charge of this process they are aiming for a complete sale of Manchester United in the first quarter of 2023.
“Therefore the Glazer family are not going to sanction a massive outlay of cash on deals at this time of the year.
“You will need to watch this space on a takeover because it could be coming very soon and it will be a seismic moment in the history of Manchester United because so many supporters have wanted a change in the hierarchy.
A deal could be done before long, according to Ornstein
“They have had so many changes off the pitch but now it could go to the very top and if Raine Bank who are leading this process get their way, it is going to be a fascinating few months ahead to see who takes charge and leads them into the future.”
Erik ten Hag’s team currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 11 points off league leaders Arsenal.
Source: thepeoplesperson.com
