Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to sign Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia once the club have secured the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer according to Rob Draper of the Daily Mail. It seems more positive news has started to surface.
It has been suggested that Ten Hag has a number of targets in different positions to try and strengthen the Old Trafford clubs squad this summer, seemingly aiming to create a team that can press, devastate their opposition and put last season into the past where it belongs.
It was thought that both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles, not to mention Brandon Williams could shore up the left-back position at the club but after a season of stuttering by Shaw and Telles and the fact that Williams does not seem to have much of a future, a movement will be made.
Malacia, 22, is a highly-sought left-back and has a lot of talent. The Dutchman, working with Ten Hag could become one of the best in his position during his career, which could really rejuvenate United in this position, which has been more than problematic over the years.
The Netherlands international is contracted at Feyenoord until the summer of 2024, therefore has two years remaining on his contract. Ten Hag’s reign at the club could see a Dutch revolution with Donny van de Beek already at the club with two compatriots already linked – amongst others.
Last season, Malacia made 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and five assists, playing in the Eredivisie, the KNVB Beer and the UEFA Europa Conference League. He helped Feyenoord finish third in the league, earning a UEFA Europa League group stage place.
It would seem that Ten Hag is not quote confident of United’s defence with Jurrien Timber also linked to the club but reports have suggested that he will remain at Ajax with the player needing regular playing time to earn a place in the Netherlands FIFA World Cup squad this year.
Malacia is considered a very strong passer of the ball and a dribbler and considered strong at holding onto the ball and his concentration. He is not considered to have any major weaknesses, which could be good – although he is untested in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old is said to be a ‘top-end athlete relative to his position‘ which is ‘vital for a full-back in ways that perhaps are not true for any other role on the pitch – modern, possession-based football demands end-to-end coverage from wide-men in defence‘.
Written by John Walker
