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3 months ago
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Tyrell Malacia has not made an appearance for Manchester United since the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
That is why fans can be forgiven for forgetting the Dutch left-back even exists.
The 24-year-old has had two rounds of knee surgery since his last competitive appearance as he continues his recovery at Carrington.
Malacia was left behind in Manchester while the majority of his team-mates went on pre-season tour to the United States.
After multiple setbacks over the past year, Ten Hag claims Malacia is “in a good place” but suggested that the Netherlands international faces another two months of recovery before he can return to action for the first-team.
Ten Hag spoke to reporters ahead of United’s final pre-season friendly against Liverpool.
The manager said (via 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 (for Malacia to return) in two months.”
This means United are heading into the new season with Luke Shaw, who missed pre-season due to Euro 2024 involvement, and Harry Amass as left-back options.
Amass has started at left-back in both of United’s pre-season tour games against Arsenal and Real Betis. The 17-year-old impressed in both matches and recorded an assist for Amad Diallo with a sublime cross.
It remains to be seen if Ten Hag will sign a new left-back before transfer deadline day.
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