Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shared the latest on Tyrell Malacia’s anticipated return to first-team football after a lengthy absence due to injury. Malacia, who was signed from Eredivisie club Feyenoord in 2022 for a fee of around £15 million, has been out of action since undergoing knee surgery last summer. His last appearance for the Red Devils came during their 2-1 win over Fulham on May 28, 2023.
Originally, ten Hag expected Malacia to be back on the pitch by January. However, the recovery process did not go as planned, with Malacia experiencing several setbacks that caused him to miss the entire 2023/24 season. Despite these challenges, there is now optimism surrounding his return as he steadily progresses through an individualized fitness program closely monitored by Manchester United’s medical staff at Carrington.
Ten Hag has indicated that Malacia is on track to rejoin the team by October, a timeline that would be particularly welcome given the fitness issues that have plagued fellow left-back Luke Shaw over the past year. “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,” ten Hag explained during United’s pre-season tour of the US. “He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can return to team training and then team performance in games. I think it would be possible in two months.”
The club has confirmed that Malacia is doing everything in his power to regain full fitness ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. However, they have not ruled out the possibility of acquiring another left-back this summer to ensure adequate coverage in that position.
In the meantime, Erik ten Hag has been encouraged by the performances of young defender Harry Amass during pre-season. The 17-year-old impressed fans and management alike with his display in a recent 3-2 victory over La Liga side Real Betis, a match that saw goals from Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro. Amass’s assured performance has led to calls from supporters for him to receive more first-team minutes in the upcoming season.
Luke Shaw, when asked in an interview with GOAL about which young player fans should keep an eye on, highlighted Amass. “He’s a young left-back from Man United,” Shaw said. “Harry Amass.” This endorsement from a senior player like Shaw underscores the potential Amass has to make a significant impact in the first team.
Overall, the anticipation surrounding Tyrell Malacia’s return and the emergence of Harry Amass provides a sense of optimism for Manchester United’s defensive lineup. As Malacia continues his recovery, and Amass pushes for more opportunities, ten Hag will have to manage his squad carefully to maximize their potential and maintain a solid defensive foundation for the upcoming season.