Aheed Abrar
Tyrell Malacia relishing competition at Manchester United after keeping Luke Shaw out of the XI
Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia has given his verdict on the competition for places at the club amidst keeping Luke Shaw out of the XI. The 23-year-old is relishing the challenge for a starting spot in Erik Ten Hag’s side.
Malacia made his way to the Old Trafford side in the transfer window from Feyenoord. The 23-year-old is known for his aggressive demeanour on the pitch.
Speaking to United’s official website (h/t Manchester Evening News), Malacia reflected on the fight for places in the Red Devils’ squad. The Holland international feels Shaw keeps him on his toes to perform his best.
“Yeah, of course, because we can keep each other sharp every day, so you have to step up your game every training, every game. If you are not, then the coach can make another decision and that’s good for the team.”
United started the 2022/23 campaign with shoddy displays. Ten Hag’s first two competitive games as the Red Devils’ head coach ended in defeat. We sat at the bottom of the table in the Premier League.
The Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford fixtures saw the side concede six goals. And United’s players failed to score a goal in the first two games. However, we have managed to turn things around.
Ten Hag made some bold decisions after the Bees put four goals past us in the first half. Malacia replaced Shaw at the start of the second half at the Gtech Community Stadium. And since then, the 23-year-old has kept out the England international.
Starting with the Liverpool game, Shaw has not been afforded any minutes. The likes of Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo have also only seen minutes as substitutes.
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Malacia has brought spirit to the left-hand side of the back four. Fans have seen a clear difference with the energy the Holland international has brought to United. We have gone on to win four games on the trot and now sit three points behind table toppers Arsenal.
It remains to be seen whether Malacia continues to keep his competition at bay for the rest of the season.
