Tyrell Malacia update provided as Manchester United identify left-back to sign

Erik ten Hag provided an update on Tyrell Malacia and his difficulties at Manchester United last season.

Malacia, 24, did not play a single game for United last term after suffering a serious knee injury before pre-season. He then had several setbacks throughout the campaign.

“Malacia hasn’t played a minute all season. He hasn’t even been on the training pitch once,” admitted Ten Hag in quotes relayed by the Mirror.

“We had recruited Malacia at the start of last season precisely as a back-up for Luke Shaw, those two options had to bring us a lot.

“The idea with Malacia was very good, and he just did well last season, but this season we never had him.”

That led to Shaw being relied on and ultimately suffering injury himself. “Shaw is the best left-back in the world; he is so good. But he had a very serious injury at the beginning of his career. As a result, he will never be able to play 60 games in a year,” added Ten Hag.

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There now is more uncertainty over the left-back position and that has influenced United’s summer transfer window priorities. They are interested in signing another left-back to boost the position.

According to talkSPORT, the Reds have shown interest in Bournemouth’s young left-back Milos Kerkez, who will be at Euro 2024 with Hungary this summer.

The 20-year-old fullback is seen as a potential candidate to offer competition and crucial cover for Luke Shaw. He made 33 appearances for Andoni Iraola’s overachieving side last season.

Speaking on the speculation over his future, Kerkez said: “I am not occupied with transfer news.

“The people who take care of me deal with all of that. I am only focused on Bournemouth and my performances here.

“I know I am young. I know what I can do and what level I can get to, so I just have to see what happens in the future.”