SUMMARY
- Tyrell Malacia, a left-back for Manchester United, hasn't played in nearly a year, which concerns fans.
- The Dutch defender's injury has been a nightmare. He suffered a knee injury while playing for United in the 22/23 season.
Manchester United’s fitness worries have deepened a lot in the 23/24 season. Injuries to key players have derailed the record English Champions’ aspirations in the season. United’s defense, in particular, has suffered from rampant injuries. Tyrell Malacia, who plays as the left-back for ‘The Red Devils’ is a notable absentee.
Yooooooooooo 😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/lQ5l7Op1DZ
— Santi™ (@ThePeakSanti) February 14, 2024
The Dutch defender hasn’t played for Manchester United in almost a year, and this has worried the club’s fanbase. Some of them even have doubts regarding his well-being, However, ‘The Red Devils’ has no cause to worry as Tyrell Malacia is still under a contract with the 20-time Premier League Champions. The severity of his injury has kept Tyrell away from the action.
Following an elongated period of speculation, it was later revealed that Malacia had multiple setbacks during his recovery process. He suffered a meniscus injury and the Dutch player reportedly wanted to take care of the injury on his own and flew back to the Netherlands. However, the injury never healed properly and it reportedly affected the player mentally as well.
Tyrell Malacia hasn’t featured for Manchester United at all in the 23/24 season
The Dutch defender’s injury has been nothing short of a nightmare. The 24-year-old suffered a knee injury while playing for United during the final course of the 22/23 season. The club had initially expected him to be back in time for the opening matches of the subsequent season. However, the 3-time UEFA Champions League winners have announced that Tyrell Malacia is not returning to the pitch at least until the beginning of 2024.
Tyrell reportedly suffered a setback during his rehabilitation program which compelled the 24-year-old to have another surgery. Manchester United were pleased to inform that the Dutch left-back was back in training at Carrington and looks to contribute to his team’s success in 2024.
🔴 Man United defender Tyrell Malacia suffered a setback during rehabilitation, which required further surgery.
He’s on course to return to action early next year, as he recovers from a knee injury. pic.twitter.com/xLBgOrccUf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 1, 2023
Tyrell Malacia was the first-ever signing that Erik ten Hag made after being appointed as United manager. ‘The Red Devils’ made a $20 million swoop for the left-back to sign him from The Eredivisie side Feyenoord. Erik ten Hag was reportedly impressed by the left-back’s speed and positional awareness. However, his poor fitness record has alarmed the Manchester United board who are on the lookout for his replacements.
United have identified potential suitors for the left-back position
Tyrell Malacia’s injury paved the way for United to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of the 23/24 season. However, his loan move to Old Trafford was cut short as he moved to Brentford in January 2024. Manchester United have now only one fit left-back in the form of Luke Shaw. However, the English defender himself is a very injury-prone player and this has forced ‘The Red Devils’ to look into the left-back market.
Alvaro Fernandez is currently on loan from United at Portuguese side SL Benfica. The 20-year-old Spaniard is reportedly very comfortable in possession and would be perfect for Erik ten Hag’s system.
🆕👹 for @BBCSport
Luke Shaw’s HT withdrawal vs Villa was a “precaution”, but how long until United are without their first-choice left-back for another run of games?
It’s not a top priority, but forming a succession plan should be on the to-do list.https://t.co/K3puu6GbVv
— Alex Turk (@AlexCTurk) February 13, 2024
Marc Cucurella has emerged as an interesting proposition. United even asked for a loan move in August 2023 for the out-of-favor Chelsea defender. Nicolas Tagliafico could be yet another option. The Olympique Lyonnais defender has proven himself at some of the biggest stages such as the FIFA World Cup and the Champions League.
Marcos Alonso from FC Barcelona can also be a target, considering his vast experience in English soccer. Manchester United needs to formulate their transfer policy pretty well this time to be competitive in the league.