Malacia had Manchester United written in his destiny. What has he said about his new club and can he push through the competition into the starting line-up?

Manchester United have brought the transfer of Tyrell Malacia to a successful conclusion, officially announcing their first signing at a cost of just €15 million. It is a dream come true for the 22-year-old wing-back, as he has believed since his visit to Old Trafford that he would one day don the Red Devils’ jersey. So the first goal has been achieved, now he has something to show for it!

“At Feyenoord’s academy we played a tournament at Manchester United a few years ago and I was enchanted by everything there. At that time I told myself that one day I would come back here. Now it’s become a reality and I’m amazed by it,” Malacia was quoted as saying in an interview with De Telegraaf.

But former top striker Robin van Persie, who experienced the last days of the great Manchester United at Old Trafford, also played his part in the transfer. By the time he left the club, things were already bad and the management has failed to lift the team game-wise to this day.

“I’ve always been a Manchester United fan mainly because of van Persie, who was also a Feyenoord player. Before I made my decision, I spoke to him about the club and the city. I heard a lot from my former teammate Tahith Chong, who I also played with at Feyenoord,” revealed Malacia.

It’s very encouraging to have someone like that coming in. The motivation of such players is always much greater when they have the club logo right in their heart. But how will he fare in the competition?

Ten Hag has Brandon Williams, Luke Shaw and Alex Telles at his disposal at Old Trafford. However, the former is not much to reckon with and neither of the remaining left backs have performed well of late.

The Brazilian defender has been given more space, but that’s mainly because Shaw has been injured several times during the season, as well as Telles, who was unlucky to get picked early on. However, it is safe to assume that one will leave Old Trafford. Alex is already 29 years old, while Luke is three years younger and came to Manchester back in 2014, this too could play a part and probably will.

Both are also slightly more complex players than Malacia. However, the Dutch defender is much quicker and more physical overall, which will be very important for the Hague style.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is similar, but he is weaker with his forward play. And Malacia is certainly not lost in that, as he can bring the ball out and centre accurately as well. With his great enthusiasm, he could become a key figure in the defence practically from the start and indeed during attacking forays.

But Telles and Shaw cannot be underestimated, especially the English midfielder, who when fit is one of the best players on the pitch, as he has convinced everyone more than once, and after 8 years at United, he certainly has a strong voice in the locker room.

Source: Manchester United, De Telegraaf