Erik ten Hag says Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is unlikely to play this season after struggling with injuries during his second season at Old Trafford.
Malacia joined United from Feyenoord in the summer of 2022, becoming one of ten Hag’s first signings in Manchester.
He briefly replaced Luke Shaw in the starting XI during a generally successful first season in the Premier League, playing 39 matches in total.
However, the Dutchman has not played at all this season after undergoing surgery in the summer due to setbacks in his recovery. Ten Hag had indicated a month ago that the left-back was close to returning to action
but he now says that he may miss the entire 2023-24 campaign. ‘I think it’s going to be difficult for this season to be available,’ ten Hag said. ‘He will fight, he’s back on the pitch, but not in the team and the recovery process has faced setbacks and is still progressing very slowly, and the season is coming to an end.’
Ten Hag is facing a shortage of options in defense (Picture: Getty)
Malacia’s absence has been especially frustrating as Shaw has also been out of action for long periods during this season.
and is also likely to miss the rest of the season due to a new issue.
With Sergio Reguilon’s loan ending in January, United no longer have a recognized left-back, and Victor Lindelof has been filling in that position in recent weeks. ‘We talk about one of my biggest frustrations is there,’ Ten Hag said.
‘You can accept in a position that a player is not available, but when two players are not available over the course of the season that is very frustrating.
‘Because that is also very difficult to catch up as a team, but we dealt with it in the best way, but of course it is a disadvantage.’
More problems at the back for the United boss…
‘Because that is also very difficult to catch up as a team, but we dealt with it in the best way, but of course it is a disadvantage.’
