The 22-year-old was one of Eredivisie’s breakout stars last season, and he has now opened up about the transition from Dutch football to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Dutch left-back became Erik ten Hag’s first signing earlier this month after Manchester United hijacked Lyon’s move for the youngster.
Since joining up with the Red Devils Malacia has impressed in his appearances on the 2022 pre-season tour and has certainly shown why Ten Hag was so keen to secure his services.
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After his appointment as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has looked to implement a style of play which utilises attacking full-backs.
Malacia who notched up appearances against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Aston Villa, and made his first United start against Crystal Palace, looks to have been the perfect addition to the squad as Ten Hag attempts to install this philosophy.
However, for a young player who has left his home country where he has thus far played all of his football,settling in can be a difficult task, but Malacia has revealed that since his arrival he has integrated into the United ranks well.
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“I really feel like I’m at home already.”
The Manchester United pre-season tour was a fantastic opportunity for some of the club’s rising stars to show what they are capable of, with players like Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage showcasing their talents.
Malacia, who is also a promising young talent, added that it is some of these younger stars that have helped him settle into the squad most.
“The guys took me into the group and it feels good.
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“I’m good with Anthony [Elanga], Tahith [Chong], of course. Hannibal, Ethan [Laird], Jimmy [Garner], mostly the younger guys.”
Despite his apparent potential, Malacia has not been brought in by Ten Hag as an option for the future with it becoming clear on the tour that the Dutch manager sees the left-back as real competition for first-choice Luke Shaw in the upcoming season.
Ahead of his further integration into the first team, Malacia has also been welcomed to the Red Devils by a number of the club’s senior players.
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“A couple of the older guys like Eric [Bailly], Alex [Telles], they speak a lot with me. [I’m] learning about the group and the team”
The youngster has clearly received a wholesome welcome from his Manchester United teammates, however, when questioned, Malacia also detailed how one other person has aided his transition.
“My Dad. Because he always worked hard for me. Like even now, he came to Thailand, he came to Australia on his own, So yeah [him].”
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In the coming weeks as the transfer window begins to intensify, the signing of Tyrell Malacia could become overshadowed as Manchester United look to bring in more players before the deadline on the 31st August and integrate new signings Christian Erisken and Lisandro Martinez into the squad.
However, what cannot be overshadowed is the immense talent possessed by the young Dutch left-back who will be one to watch in the 2022/23 campaign.
Topics: Manchester United, Tyrell Malacia, Erik Ten Hag, Luke Shaw, Football
Matthew O'Hara