Erik ten Hag Expects Tyrell Malacia to Miss the Season
Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has revealed that defender Tyrell Malacia is unlikely to play this season due to a series of injuries. Malacia joined United from Feyenoord in the summer of 2022 and had a promising first season, making 39 appearances in all competitions. However, he has not featured at all this season after undergoing surgery in the summer.
Ten Hag had previously suggested that Malacia was close to returning to action, but now admits that it is unlikely he will be available for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign. “I think it’s going to be difficult for this season to be available,” said ten Hag. “He will fight, he’s back on the pitch, but not in the team and the process had some setbacks and is still going really slowly forward, and the season is going to an end.”
Malacia’s absence has been particularly frustrating for ten Hag, as it coincided with Luke Shaw’s lengthy spells on the sidelines. Shaw missed two months of action with a muscle injury earlier in the season and is now expected to miss the rest of the season with a fresh problem. With Sergio Reguilon’s loan ending in January, United are left without a recognised left-back, with Victor Lindelof filling in that role in recent weeks.
Ten Hag expressed his frustration at the lack of options at the back, saying, “You can accept in a position that a player is not available, but when two players are not available over the course of the season, that is very frustrating.” He acknowledged that dealing with such setbacks is challenging for the team but believes they have managed it in the best way possible.
It remains to be seen how United will cope without a recognised left-back for the remainder of the season. Ten Hag will have to come up with alternative solutions and rely on the versatility of his players to fill the gap. The team will need to work together and adapt to ensure they remain competitive in their pursuit of silverware.
In other news, Michael Edwards is reportedly on the verge of agreeing to return to Liverpool in a new, expanded role. Barcelona has made an approach to sign Mason Greenwood from Manchester United. And Chelsea players are reportedly loving the new Bob Marley chant from fans, according to Malo Gusto.