Tyrell Malacia Could Solve the Full-Back Problem At Manchester United

Manchester United may look to Dutch youngster Tyrell Malacia to solve their long-standing full-back problems. The Red Devils remain in the hunt for their first signing, marking the beginning of the Erik ten Hag era at the club. Despite reports stating advancements in a handful of promising deals this summer, the Red Devils are yet to make a move in the transfer market.

While United remain favourites to secure the signings of Frenkie De Jong and Jurrien Timber in a bid to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign, the club are also likely to target promising yet feasible prospects to address the lack of quality in squad depth.

With midfield and defence being the priority positions to address this summer, United’s lack of quality and consistency in the full-back positions could pursue them in moving for a promising prospect in those positions this summer. With Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely to leave the club and the future of Alex Telles yet to be determined, 22-year-old Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia emerges as a notable name for Manchester United, having previously garnered the interest of Ten Hag during his years as Ajax manager.

Having been comprehensively scouted by numerous clubs over the recently concluded campaign, the highly-rated Dutchman has emerged as a notable prospect across the continent. Moreover, with United in need of an energetic and intense left-back given the team’s lack of consistency in that position, Malacia could certainly end up at Old Trafford provided the Red Devils register a genuine interest in acquiring his services this summer.

Promising Potential

Having been a vital part of Feyenoord’s push for the Eredivisie title in the 2021/22 campaign, Malacia established himself as a first-team regular under Arne Slot’s tutelage despite an inconsistent 20/21 season. A part of the Feyenoord’s first-team set-up for over two years besides being a regular international throughout his youth career, the 22-year-old boasts immense potential, having been amongst the best-performing full-backs in the Dutch top-flight.

Renowned for his athleticism and tenacious defensive attributes, Malacia has unsurprisingly cemented himself amongst those expected to have a fulfilling career. While he boasts exceptional recovery pace and remains a reliable 1v1 defender, the youngster is also adept at engaging with opposition wingers on the flanks alongside being a menace to outsmart in short spaces.

With Manchester United having lacked a tenacious and athletic left-back since Patrice Evra’s move away from the club, Tyrell Malacia offers similar traits with a potential to succeed under new boss Erik Ten Hag.

Moreover, with many of his strengths utilised in the attacking areas owing to his progressive and combinational passing alongside his ability to deliver sumptuous crosses, the Dutchman has emerged as a proactive modern-day full-back capable of vastly improving a team’s output across the wide areas on the pitch. Nevertheless, yet to strike out weaknesses in his positioning and off-the-ball movement, Malacia could initially be found lacking if he makes the switch to the challenging Premier League ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Weaknesses & Verdict

Although yet to hit his prime, Malacia possesses weaknesses likely to be exploited when playing against superior opposition. While the Dutchman has creativity in his output and consistency in his defensive contributions, the 22-year-old’s lack of awareness in creating space in wide areas alongside inverting in the build-up play has seen him receive the ball in less favourable areas across the attacking third.

Tyrell Malacia Vs Luke Shaw – Comparison (2021/22) (Courtesy: soccerment.com)

However, having shown improvement in certain areas of the pitch alongside boasting significant potential to develop his attributes, the full-back remains a notable prospect this summer.

With United likely to overhaul their squad over the next few transfer windows, Malacia emerges as an exciting prospect to work under Ten Hag next season. Having previously attempted to land the full-back at Ajax, the Dutch manager is likely to keep a tab on his development and will be keen on pouncing on an opportunity to bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

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