One Manchester United star is set to ask for “clarity” over his Old Trafford future and has already arranged a meeting with Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick’s second stint as Manchester United head coach will not be an easy one, especially given the lack of games left to play after the FA Cup exit to Brighton and the Carabao Cup disappointment against Grimsby Town earlier in the season.
He replaces Darren Fletcher, who, in turn, replaced Rúben Amorim following comments where he indirectly called out the hierarchy and referred to himself as the “manager”, rather than the “head coach”.
Before Amorim’s sacking, several players were expected to leave the club, with offers already reportedly on the table for Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee. But with Carrick now in charge, United are expected to keep most of the squad at the club and block outgoing transfers.
This could mean Carrick will have to deal with several unhappy players, without bringing in any new additions, but his appointment could be the boost United fans need to re-energise Old Trafford.
Watching the same players underperform every week has cost United their usual 12th man atmosphere, but one star looks set to demand a move if he can’t be given confirmation over his future at the club.
Malacia set for talks with Carrick
Tyrell Malacia’s time at Old Trafford has been bizarre. He came in and impressed under Erik ten Hag, but was struck by a 19-month-long injury – where many thought he had gone AWOL – and then went on loan and won the Eredivisie.
Despite returning to United in the summer, Malacia couldn’t find a move away from the club and has been a bit-part player for the first half of the season. The Dutchman has made just one Premier League appearance – against Newcastle United on Boxing Day for two minutes.
After scoring for the under-21s against Wolverhampton Wanderers, The Sun have reported that Malacia wishes to “seek clarity” over his United future, with just five months left on his contract.
Before the end of the month, Malacia and Carrick will undergo talks over his Old Trafford future, as competition is steep for his position.
Due to the likely switch to the back four, United have Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu fighting for the left-back spot, with Diego Leon and Malacia waiting in the wings. Harry Amass has also returned from his Championship loan and could be with the squad if he isn’t loaned back to a second-tier side.
The biggest losers from Amorim’s sacking
Malacia was unlikely to play for United under Amorim, but if he hadn’t been sold, he could’ve played as either a left-sided centre-back or as a left-wing-back. Now, he seems destined for the reserves.
Other losers from Amorim’s dismissal include Amad and Bryan Mbeumo. The duo combined well on the right flank under Amorim, but that partnership is now almost destined to end.
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One of the right-wingers will likely switch to the left wing and hold the width on that side, allowing the other to invert from the right. Carrick may experiment with both in the team, but Matheus Cunha may force one to the bench.
Ayden Heaven may find himself another to suffer from Amorim’s sacking. He had impressed in recent weeks, but was subbed off early against Burnley and dropped to the bench against Brighton.
The switch to a two-man central defence could force Heaven to the bench on a permanent basis if Lisandro Martínez can hit a good run of form before Matthijs de Ligt’s return.
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