Manchester United star returns to competitive action after 534 days

Tyrell Malacia is now working on his match fitness after returning from a serious knee injury.

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is looking forward to his first game in charge against Ipswich Town and he may have a fit left-back available for the tie.

It would make a huge difference, as United haven’t had a recognised left-back since the beginning of the season due to injuries.

Luke Shaw has not made a competitive appearance for United since February, but that didn’t stop him going to the Euros in the summer and sustaining another injury setback during pre-season.

On the other hand, Malacia had not played competitively since playing for the Netherlands on 14, 2023.

Erik ten Hag was forced to play Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui at left-back, so it will come as a relief to Amorim that Malacia is slowly working his way back.

On Tuesday night, Malacia played for the U21s in their EFL tie away to Huddersfield Town.

The Netherlands international played the first half before being replaced by Harry Amass when the score was level at 1-1. Unfortunately, the League One side went on to win 4-1 against Travis Binnion’s young side.

Perhaps the biggest positive from the evening was Malacia successfully making his first United appearance in 534 days. Meanwhile, United suffered a blow with Sekou Kone sustaining an injury.

Tyrell Malacia won’t be rushed back

United have been careful not to rush Malacia back to avoid any more setbacks on his journey to recovery. It remains to be seen whether he returns in a competitive match before fellow left-back Shaw, who has also returned to first team training.

Ten Hag’s final comments as United manager stated that Shaw had suffered another setback and his recovery was not going as expected.

“The process is not going as we expected, that’s the truth,” Ten Hag admitted. “The setback – if you want to call it this – but we want to do it very carefully because when he is now dropping again we have made the wrong process. So we want to be very careful. We know his past,” Ten Hag said, as quoted by the Mirror.

Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager stated that the club would have to plan Malacia’s minutes.

Amorim likes to play wing-backs in his system and we are intrigued to see how he lines up against the Tractor Boys after the international break.