Picture: Long-term United absentee spotted at Old Trafford as he closes in on return from injury

Erik ten Hag has been forced to navigate without a natural left-back at his disposal since February 18.

Manchester United oversaw a 2-1 away win to Luton Town that day, with Luke Shaw withdrawn at the interval for a second consecutive match through injury woes.

He returned to fitness in time to feature for England at Euro 2024, playing in the quarters, semis and their final defeat to Spain on July 14. Yet, upon his return to Carrington for pre-season training, sustained a calf complaint and was subsequently ruled out of the opening of the 2024/2025 season.

As for his counterpart Tyrell Malacia, he hasn’t played in a competitive match since the final day of the 2022/2023 term – his maiden campaign at the club. A serious knee injury ruled him out of the entirety of last season and he is yet to make his long-awaited return to the fold.

The Dutch international was, however, included in Erik ten Hag’s 25-man Europa League squad a fortnight ago, prompting fans to assume that he would be available for selection soon.

Ten Hag proceeded to confirm that while the club are taking precautions with his rehabilitation, Malacia is making ‘big steps’ in his recovery and would hopefully be able to train with his teammates in the near future.

He was pictured at Old Trafford last night to watch the Reds in action for their third-round Carabao Cup tie vs Barnsley, in which the side oversaw a dominant 7-0 thrashing.

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Picture courtesy of TenHagBall_.