Manchester United have reportedly made a shock decision on Tyrell Malacia's future as Ruben Amorim's side continue to struggle in the Premier League. The Portuguese coach is facing mounting pressure after overseeing three losses in the Red Devils' first six Premier League games of the new season. United were humbled 3-1 by Brentford at the weekend, blowing the chance to record back-to-back league wins for the first time under Amorim after beating Chelsea in their previous outing.
Bomb squad survivor back in the fold
Malacia had been frozen out all summer, lumped into the infamous ‘bomb squad’ alongside Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony. While the others all found escape routes, temporary or permanent, Malacia stayed behind, his proposed loan to La Liga strugglers Elche collapsing before the deadline. Since then, he’s been training with United’s Under-21s, looking like a forgotten man. But in a twist no one saw coming, Malacia will rejoin the senior squad on Tuesday, as revealed by
AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited deny panic move
United, however, are insistent that Malacia’s return has nothing to do with the side’s dire start or any injury crisis. Insiders claim this decision was always planned, part of a gradual reintegration for a player who has battled back from serious injury.
Injury troubles derail Malacia's career
Malacia’s Old Trafford journey has been anything but smooth. He became Erik ten Hag’s first signing in 2022, arriving from Feyenoord for £13 million ($16m) with €2m in add-ons. His debut season at United was promising, racking up 39 appearances and looking every inch a modern full-back. Then disaster struck. A brutal knee meniscus injury wrecked his progress, keeping him sidelined for a staggering 550 days. He only re-emerged late last year, making Amorim’s very first squad against Ipswich Town in November.
GettyRed Devils’ next test against Sunderland
United are back in action on Saturday with a tricky clash against Sunderland. Anything less than a win will only sharpen the knives for Amorim, who has faced fierce criticism for his rigid tactics. For Malacia, though, the return to the first team offers a shot at redemption, a chance to prove he can still play at the top level after a largely miserable three years.
