Manchester United left-back to miss entire season after initially pushing back surgery proposal

Tyrell Malacia is not expected to play for Manchester United until next season as the Dutch left-back continues his recovery from a knee meniscus injury.

Manchester United have struggled with injuries across the defensive department throughout the season, however, the worst area for concern has been left-back.

Erik ten Hag has been left short-staffed in that position with both Malacia and first-choice Luke Shaw missing large chunks of the campaign. It’s a tough ask for any manager when they are without their primary and back-up option at left-back.

As a result, Malacia has not played a single minute this season. The last time he played was for the Netherlands against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League semi-final last June.

According to The Athletic, Malacia went against the advice of United when it was decided last summer to undergo surgery on his knee after discomfort in pre-season training.

This is something I find frustrating because we’ve seen other players who sustain the same injury return quickly. For instance, Amad suffered a meniscus injury during pre-season and spent five months on the sidelines before returning to the squad in December.

United recommended a surgeon in London, but the 24-year-old wants his own choice of surgeon in the Netherlands and it was conducted away from the club’s oversight which is why we’ve had such delays in the first place.

Furthermore, the report adds that Ten Hag believes the importance of Malacia’s absence has been ‘underestimated’ and views it as a ‘key factor in United’s struggles’ this season.

Malacia joined United from Feyenoord as Ten Hag’s first signing in a €17 million deal. This season was his chance to get plenty of games, but he wasn’t able to take advantage of Shaw’s injury troubles. He made 39 appearances for United and was only missing from the matchday squad once.

United are set to sign a new left-back in the summer which should come as a concern to our two left-backs after spending more time in the treatment room over the past season than on the pitch.

Let us know in the comments section if you think Malacia has a future at United.

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