Rúben Amorim has issued the latest on Tyrell Malacia following his surprise return to Manchester United’s first team squad.
Tyrell Malacia has been brought back into Manchester United’s first-team squad after being unable to secure a move away from the club last summer.
At the start of pre-season, Rúben Amorim placed Malacia and four others on the surplus list, with all five excluded from training alongside the rest of the senior squad at Carrington.
Although discussions were held with Lille, AS Roma, Elche, and several Saudi Pro League clubs, no deal materialised, and Malacia stayed at United beyond the 2025 transfer window.
Over the past month, he has been working with the U21s and producing “off the charts” performances, prompting his return to first-team training earlier this month.
Amorim issues latest on Malacia
While United’s other four outcasts were placed on the transfer list due to a fractured relationship with either Amorim or the club, Malacia’s addition to the list was because he reportedly requested to move away in the summer.
For the first time in almost a year, the 26-year-old was included in United’s matchday squad, named on the bench against Brighton on Saturday evening.
Although he did not come off the bench, it was fantastic to see the player back at Old Trafford, and Amorim was asked about his reintroduction and the chances of playing for United again, which would no doubt feel like a second debut for the player.
“I love all my players,” the head coach told MUTV. “I demand the same thing from all the players.
“He is working really well; he adapted really well to our team. For me, there are no favourites. If you work, you play for Manchester United. If you don’t, you need to work harder to get back on the pitch.”
Could Malacia become a centre-back under Amorim?
While United already feel as if they already have a bloated defensive department, there may actually be a chance for Malacia to slot into one of two positions within Amorim’s ranks.
Currently, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is United’s only left wing-back, with Luke Shaw acting as a left centre-back and 18-year-old Diego Leon still getting to grips with English football in the U21s. Malacia’s natural position is more of a full-back, but he provides Amorim with a new option on the left flank.
There is also the chance that he could be deployed as a centre-back. Once Lisandro Martínez returns, he will surely overtake Shaw as the first-choice main central defender, and Shaw may instead be moved to competing with Dorgu at left wing-back.
Previously, Amorim has spoken about how he could see Malacia potentially playing as one of United’s three centre-halves, and the Netherlands defender could provide cover for Martínez at least until the January transfer window.
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