Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag delivers an update on the potential return of one of his injured defenders.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed when he expects Tyrell Malacia to return to action.
In his first year at Old Trafford having joined from Feyenoord, Malacia earned regular game time on the left-hand side of the backline.
A total of 29 starts and 10 substitute outings were made in all competitions, United getting value for money from the £13m that they had shelled out on his signature.
However, Malacia was forced to undergo knee surgery at the end of 2022-23, subsequently leading to him missing the entirely of last season.
With Luke Shaw having also struggled with fitness issues, it left Ten Hag with a problem in that area of the pitch with players having to be deployed out of position.
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Ten Hag gives Malacia update
Despite progress having been made in his recovery, the 24-year-old was never in contention to earn any minutes during United’s pre-season schedule.
Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag has now provided an update on the Dutchman’s condition, suggesting that he faces at least another two months away from contending for a place in his squad.
He said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, He is now in a good place but he is not here because I only took players who could play games or be available for team training.
“He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games.
“I think it would be possible in two months.”
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Could Ten Hag enter the market for a left-back?
Shaw’s return to fitness over the summer represented a major boost for Ten Hag and he will hope that the England international can now feature on a regular basis.
The right-back position has also been an area of concern with Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui in line to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the squad.
With the Morocco international able to play in either full-back position, he could provide cover for Shaw, or play on the right with Diogo Dalot being moved over.
As a result of that scenario and Lisandro Martinez also able to deputise when required, Ten Hag could continue to prioritise at least one more centre-back.