Man United have to be seriously concerned about Tyrell Malacia, whose injury issues are now becoming a genuine problem.
Manchester United Football Club hired Erik ten Hag over two years ago now. The Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford has been hit and miss overall, though you cannot argue with two trophies in two seasons for a side that is still adapting and evolving.
His first signing was left-back Tyrell Malacia, brought in to add depth and provide competition for Luke Shaw. Initially, the former Feyenoord man did just that, looking like the bright spark in the side during his first handful of performances.
Malacia’s debut season was decent. Nothing more. Nothing less. He did exactly what you’d expect a £15m signing to do. Not a stand out performer, but solid and reliable. However, his campaign would end in April due to a knee issue.
Surgery would follow. Malacia, nor United, initially seemed concerned about the severity of the issue. However, the Dutchman’s absence became more and more prolonged, with the club offering very little updates on the left-back. Eyebrows started to raise.
A second surgery would be required to fix the issue. Meaning Malacia would not play a single minute of football in the 2023/24 season. Far from ideal, though at least the £75k-a-week United man would be given the time to fully heal and come back fighting in 2024/25. Or so we thought…
United announced their pre-season tour squad yesterday. Malacia wasn’t in it. He is back in training doing some solo work, after recently returning to the AON Training Complex.
That’s all fine and dandy, though this is now a second season without a pre-season for Malacia. He has not played football in close to eighteen months at this point. Hence, United have to be seriously concerned about the 24-year-old.
It’s a far from ideal scenario and United are now acknowledging that point, as they’re ready to intensify their search for a left-back signing during this summer window. Is this the first sign United are ready to give up on Malacia? Possibly.
🚨🔴 BREAKING!#MUFC will INTENSIFY their search for new full-backs amid uncertainty over Luke Shaw’s ability to stay fit and Tyrell Malacia’s injury problems.
✍️ @ChrisWheelerDM pic.twitter.com/zTojmqM8RM
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) July 24, 2024
It’s a tough scenario. If and when Malacia does come back, he’s going to be months behind his United teammates in terms of fitness, before you even factor in his lengthy absence. Even if he returned tomorrow, it’d be unfair to expect him to be anywhere close to 100% this side of Christmas. Can United afford the risk? Probably not with Luke Shaw’s consistent injury issues.
There’s also no guarantee that Malacia will come back the same player. Knee injuries can be brutal on the rest of the body. Will the player trust that his knee will hold up? Who knows. It’s going to be difficult either way.
The good news for United is that this was a pretty cheap transfer all things considered, so the loss on Malacia would be somewhat minimal. Yes, we’re all rooting for the Dutchman to overcome the issues and come back stronger than ever, though it’s a lot of pressure to place on the man.
What’s most damning to me is that we still have no idea when to expect Malacia to return to the first-team fold. It could be weeks or months. Hopefully, he’s over the worst of the issues and he can make me eat my words.
Do you think there’s any way Tyrell Malacia will rediscover his best form? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
