Aheed Abrar
Conversations with Erik ten Hag compelled Tyrell Malacia to join Manchester United in the summer
Manchester United were able to sign Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord this summer after the player held conversations with Erik ten Hag. The former Ajax head coach was influential in convincing the 23-year-old to make a move.
The Holland international came up through the youth ranks at the Eredivisie club before moving to Old Trafford. The 23-year-old established himself in the Dutch league last season and impressed many with his performances.
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News), Malacia revealed he talked with Ten Hag before his eventual move to United. It was essential for the 23-year-old to feel that he was wanted.
“I knew him because I played against him in Holland. Actually before I came here, I spoke with him on the phone and had some good talks with him. It felt good for me. You see what he wants.
“I think his vision is quite clear. Now, as both individuals and as a team, we have to develop that. It was a big decision to make so to know the club and the manager both want me, that was important for me.”
Malacia has quickly established himself in the United squad. The 23-year-old has become the first name on the teamsheet for the Manchester-based club.
The Holland international made his debut in the first game of the 2022/23 campaign in the Premier League. He came on in the final minutes for Luke Shaw as Brighton & Hove Albion beat the Red Devils 2-1.
Subsequently, Malacia played a full half when United visited the Gtech Community Stadium. The 23-year-old was substituted in after half-time as the Bees had put four goals past us.
Ten Hag made some big changes following the 4-0 loss to Brentford. One of them was to bring Malacia into the starting XI. Since then, the Holland international has been part of the team from the get-go in every fixture.
Fans have embraced Malacia instantly. The 23-year-old’s tenacity and aggression on the pitch have been received well. And the Holland international has been part of the backline that has helped United win four games in a row in the league.
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Malacia is on course to become a fan favourite at the Old Trafford side. The Holland international is competent going forward as well as in defence. Will the 23-year-old be able to keep up his consistency? Only time will tell.
