Man Utd’s forgotten star misses start of pre-season as Erik ten Hag faces fresh questions
A number of Manchester United players have returned to training in preparation for the upcoming season under Erik ten Hag but there was one notable absentee from the group
Tyrell Malacia, a defender for Manchester United, has raised concerns about his future after he failed to show up for the start of preseason training.
When Malacia, a former Feyenoord defender, joined United in the summer of 2022, Erik ten Hag made him his first signing. After an injury-plagued second season, he did not play a single game. He played 39 times in his debut season in England.
This week, United started their preseason workouts, although not every player returned to the pitch. Even if their teams have already been eliminated from the continental competitions, those representing their countries in Euro 2024 or the Copa America have an extended break.
This implies that players like Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes will have more time to heal.
When the first members of the squad returned, Malacia and Jadon Sancho were the only senior players who were missing, according to the Manchester Evening News. Sancho spent the last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, so his future may not be at Old Trafford, although Malacia has not been connected to a summer departure.
Rather, it’s known that he will require more time to heal after his most recent injury setback. The left-back, who last played for the first team on the last day of the 2022–2023 season, has had a protracted recovery following surgeries to address a knee injury. Ten Hag pointed out that Malacia hadn’t even set foot on the practice pitch the previous season.
Malacia was specifically hired at the beginning of the previous season as a backup for
Players from Manchester United practicing ahead of the season (Photo: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
The injury problems Luke Shaw had last season made Malacia’s absence much more inconvenient. The England international played in just 12 league games the previous season; Sofyan Amrabat was one of many who filled in at left-back despite their usual position being elsewhere, and Sergio Reguilon provided insurance following a loan move.
Shaw’s last Premier League appearance for United came in a 45-minute game against Luton in February. However, he was judged healthy enough to be named in England’s Euro 2024 roster, and in the quarterfinal matchup against Switzerland, he came off the bench.
Shaw expressed his satisfaction that United had stuck with manager Ten Hag to reporters in Germany. “His staying has been greatly appreciated by all.”
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