In a significant turn of events for Manchester United, new head coach Ruben Amorim has been handed a much-needed boost with the return of Tyrell Malacia, who made his first appearance for the club in 17 months.
The Netherlands left-back, who has been sidelined for over a year due to a series of injuries, started for United’s Under-21s in their 4-1 EFL Trophy defeat to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night, marking the end of a long and frustrating absence.
Malacia’s recovery is a pivotal moment for United’s defensive depth, and his return could finally resolve one of the club’s most pressing positional issues. The 25-year-old, who was signed from Feyenoord in a £14.7 million deal in June 2022, has not played a competitive match for the first team since May 2023, at the close of Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge. His injury nightmare, compounded by setbacks following knee surgery, has kept him on the sidelines for almost a season and a half.
In his first match back, Malacia appeared sharp in the first half, showing glimpses of his former self with a crucial challenge in midfield to win possession. He was substituted at halftime for Harry Amass as part of a gradual reintegration process, easing him back into competitive action. For Amorim, this is a welcome sign that Malacia could soon be available to provide much-needed competition for the left-back spot, particularly as he looks to implement a new tactical setup at Old Trafford.
The timing of Malacia’s return couldn’t be better. Just days earlier, fellow left-back Luke Shaw had also returned to first-team training after being sidelined since February. With both of United’s primary left-backs on the mend, Amorim will be relieved to see his options expand, especially with the club preparing for a tactical shift. The Portuguese head coach is expected to deploy a 3-4-3 formation, and having natural left-backs in Shaw and Malacia could be key to the system’s success.
Under ten Hag, United had to make do with makeshift left-back solutions. Diogo Dalot, typically a right-back, was often deployed in the left-back role, while Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui were occasionally called upon to fill in. While these players did their best, the absence of a natural left-footer in the position led to a loss of balance, disrupting the defensive structure and creating a recurring issue for the team.
Amorim’s preference for wing-backs means the return of Shaw and Malacia could be instrumental in executing his vision for the squad. The full-back positions will be crucial to providing width and support in both defensive and offensive phases of play, and with Malacia’s pace, defensive tenacity, and attacking runs, he could be a vital asset for the new manager.
Malacia’s return is also symbolic of a larger recovery process at United, with several players working their way back from injury. Alongside Malacia, Amorim met with several other players at the club’s Carrington training ground, including Leny Yoro, another player making progress after a lengthy injury lay-off. Amorim’s second day in charge saw him engage in meetings with his players, getting a closer look at the squad he has inherited.
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Amorim, who took over from the departed Ruud van Nistelrooy earlier this week, will now turn his attention to United’s upcoming Premier League match against Ipswich Town on Sunday. The game will be Amorim’s first competitive fixture in charge, and he will be hoping for a smooth transition, with key players like Martínez, who pulled out of international duty with Argentina due to fitness concerns, and Shaw, returning to full fitness.
The fitness of other squad members, such as England defender Harry Maguire and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, remains in doubt ahead of the Ipswich clash. Mainoo is recovering from a muscle injury, and Maguire’s availability will also depend on how he fares in his recovery. Amorim will have to navigate these fitness concerns as he prepares for his first taste of Premier League action.
In addition to his tactical preparations, Amorim has been making a concerted effort to integrate with the club’s technical staff. Meetings were held with analysts and coaching personnel at the club on Tuesday, as Amorim looks to establish a strong working relationship with his backroom team. United CEO Omar Berrada has expressed high hopes for Amorim, stating that the club is excited about his arrival and believes he will play a key role in the team’s success on the pitch.
Eduardo Rosalino, a key analyst, is expected to join Amorim’s backroom staff, alongside Emanuel Ferro, Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, and Jorge Vital. These staff members are understood to be staying at the Lowry Hotel, the same luxury accommodation that previous United manager José Mourinho used during his tenure at the club.
Malacia’s return, alongside Shaw’s imminent recovery, is a pivotal moment for Amorim and United as they prepare to implement a fresh tactical approach. The two left-backs will give the new manager more options and could help alleviate one of the squad’s biggest headaches from last season. With United’s first team away on international duty, Amorim has the perfect opportunity to further assess his squad and make any necessary adjustments before the crucial match against Ipswich.
Amorim’s influence on United’s tactical evolution will be closely scrutinized as the club looks to move forward under his guidance. His ability to integrate key players back into the fold, including Malacia, will go a long way in determining his early success at Old Trafford. As the team adjusts to his methods, the full-back positions will undoubtedly be an area to watch closely, with Malacia’s return providing a much-needed boost to United’s defensive options.
