Manchester United’s challenges this season have been closely associated with the absence of Tyrell Malacia, a scenario that manager Erik ten Hag believes has been significantly overlooked, according to reports from Man Utd News.
The Dutch left-back has been sidelined since last summer due to a knee meniscus injury that required surgery, ruling him out for the entirety of the current campaign. This void in Manchester United’s defensive setup, particularly in the left-back position, has been noticeable.
Luke Shaw’s frequent injuries have exacerbated the situation, leading to the team playing without a natural left-back in 22 out of 43 games across all competitions.
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Malacia’s impact during his debut season in the Premier League was significant, featuring in 39 games across various competitions and missing only one matchday squad. His absence this season has been sorely felt, with ten Hag underscoring its influence on the team’s performance.
Initially experiencing discomfort in his left knee, Malacia continued to play to make an impression in his first season. However, the issue persisted, eventually requiring surgery.
While the club proposed a surgeon in London, Malacia opted for treatment in the Netherlands under his chosen surgeon, leading to a procedure outside of the club’s oversight. Subsequent scans revealed lingering cartilage fragments, necessitating corrective surgery in November.
Currently, Malacia is back at Carrington but is working with an external specialist and shuttling between Manchester, Barcelona, and the Netherlands as part of his recovery process. His return to team training will be contingent upon his readiness, indicating a continued period of absence for the crucial left-back.