Aheed Abrar
Tyrell Malacia was complimented by Manchester United legend Gary Neville for instilling combativeness in the team
Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia has been complimented by Gary Neville for instilling combativeness to the side. The former Red Devil believes the Holland international has had an influence on the players around him.
Malacia made his way to Old Trafford earlier this summer from Feyenoord. The 23-year-old has quickly displaced Luke Shaw from the XI.
Speaking on Sky Sports via the Metro, Neville, who played at United for 19 years, feels Malacia has been the catalyst to the Red Devils’ changing fortunes.
“Some people will say it’s the manager. Some people will say it’s the changes that have been made with regards to Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire being left out.
“Do you know something? I will point to a little thing that I saw in the second half of the Brentford game and that’s Tyrell Malacia. Someone on the pitch with a bit of personality, fight and spirit.”
Shaw started the first game against Brighton & Hove Albion with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in the backline. United ended up losing the game 2-1.
The England international was once again in the XI when the Red Devils visited the Gtech Community Stadium. However, Shaw was one of the players substituted after halftime as Brentford scored four past us in the first 35 minutes.
Malacia came on to play the second 45 against the Bees and brought with him aggressiveness. And Neville is of the opinion that the 23-year-old’s tenacity has been infectious.
“And to be fair to Lisandro Martinez who wasn’t on the pitch in that second half against Brentford because he was substituted. But against Liverpool there was some tenacity and from that, what you’re seeing is Diogo Dalot is a lot more aggressive.
“The midfield players are a bit more aggressive. It takes just one to show leadership, it doesn’t have to be the shouter or the captain.”
Malacia has played 90 minutes in every game we have won in the Premier League. The Holland international’s involvement has been accompanied by Erik ten Hag dropping Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo from the side.
United have remained unchanged since the Liverpool game except for Antony replacing Anthony Elanga in the starting lineup against Arsenal. The midfield has seen Scott McTominay keep out new signing Casemiro in the defensive midfield position.
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With a back four of Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Martinez and Malacia, United have managed to turn the early season disappointment around. Now, we sit fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind table toppers Arsenal. Real Sociedad will visit Old Trafford next to start our Europa League campaign.
