Erik ten Hag’s first Manchester United signing, Tyrell Malacia, has been speaking about his dream move to the Premier League, goals for next season, and time at the club so far.
United penned Malacia from Feyenoord for a total of £14.6 million, just when it looked like the Dutch left-back may sign for Olympique Lyon in France.
The Reds swooped in late and offered the Dutch side slightly more than Lyon, putting the ball in Malacia’s court. According to reports, the decision was easy. The 22-year-old did not think twice before putting pen to paper at Old Trafford.
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Malacia signed a four year contract, with an option of a further year, at the club and has enjoyed life in England so far.
United are currently in Melbourne, Australia, on the second half of their pre-season tour and the defender’s adaptation period is going ever so smoothly. Malacia made his debut in the second half of United’s 4-0 win against Liverpool on Tuesday.
“I’m happy that I made my debut and that we got the win,” Malacia told the Manchester Evening News. “I already feel like I’m home. The squad made me feel like I’m home already, so I’m happy to be here.”
Malacia also spoke of the game itself. Although it means little in the grand scheme of things – as it is just pre-season after all, a win over Liverpool is always welcome.
“You always want to win games, especially against Liverpool,” Malacia said. “But in the end, these games are to get fit, so it’s another plus. We didn’t speak much afterwards. We will sit down and analyze it in Australia.”
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Transitioning from any league and adapting to the physical demands of English football is never easy. However, Malacia doesn’t seem too phased. His calm demeanor and constant smile are infectious. He looks ready for the challenge.
When asked about his potential role next season, the defender confidently revealed his lofty expectations for himself.
Malacia said: “Of course, it’s everybody’s aim [to be first choice]. You always want to play, so you have to work hard for it. I like to attack, I think that’s one of the reasons why [Ten Hag] brought me here, so I have to prove to everyone why I’m here.
“He [Ten Hag] wants to attack with the left-back and right-back, so that's what he wants. He has a system and he wants me to play like this, and that's something we speak about."
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In regards to the left-back position at United, the Dutch international was full of praise for his competition at the club.
“There are some good left-backs here: Telles, Brandon [Williams], Luke [Shaw], me. So you have to work hard and prove ourselves in training and in the end, the coach will make a decision.”
With Shaw likely being the favored and proven option and Malacia being a Ten Hag signing, both Telles and Williams may well be on the brink of an exit over the next few weeks. United also have the promising Alvaro Fernandez as an option, though the Spaniard is likely to head out on loan.
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In response to being asked if he can challenge Shaw for the starting role, Malacia simply said: “Of course.”
The defender looked solid and lively during his debut against Liverpool. United had to defend more after the break – against a Jurgen Klopp side that featured most of their big guns for the last 30 minutes. Malacia held his own, keeping tabs on Mo Salah.
Malacia is lightning quick, leak-proof and aware defensively and with an eye for forward involvement – the epitome of a modern full-back and perfectly suited for Ten Hag’s philosophy.
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The new United boss has been a fan of Malacia for some time, dating back to their days in the Eredivisie. It will be interesting to see how he uses the 22-year-old in his first season in the Premier League.
Speaking about Malacia after he joined him in England, Ten Hag said: “He suits the profile [we were looking for] and most importantly from every full-back, he closes the right area. He can also take part in the offensive side of our game, and he can do that really well. I think he will contribute to the team.”
Ten Hag knowing Malacia well is a big plus. You would figure he will be well equipped to get the best out of the full-back, whether he needs a bedding in period or not.
Addressing the switch from the Eredivisie to English football, Malacia revealed that he spoke to former Red, Robin van Persie.
“It’s a big difference. I wanted this all my life,” Malacia said. “I worked hard for it, so I have to work harder now. I spoke with [Van Persie] about United and his time in the Premier League. Some great memories, some good stories, so it’s always good, positive.”
Former United boss and current Netherlands national team head coach, Louis van Gaal, has been uncharacteristically outspoken in regards to the futures of high-profile Dutch players this summer.
It could be because it is the year of the World Cup and he wants all the players that he is considering to be playing regularly in order to have a fair chance at being selected.
Either way, Van Gaal was reported to have been a big reason as to why Jurrien Timber opted against signing for United last month. It is believed that Timber was discouraged because of not having promises of guaranteed playing time at Old Trafford, with football’s most prestigious international tournament looming.
Malacia revealed to MEN that he did not speak to Van Gaal and that he was okay with his World Cup fate being in Ten Hag’s hands. Malacia’s ambition is admirable and his abilities will certainly put him in contention to be United’s go to at left-back.
Topics: Manchester United, Feyenoord, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League
Arion Armeniakos