Erik ten Hag explains Tyrell Malacia situation at Man United after injury

Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Tyrell Malacia, who didn’t play a single minute for Manchester United this season. The 24-year-old defender, who joined the Reds from Feyenoord for £13million two years ago, has been absent since undergoing surgery on a knee meniscus injury last summer.

Malacia featured 39 times in his debut campaign for United, helping Ten Hag’s side win the Carabao Cup and clinching third place in the Premier League. But the Netherlands international was denied the chance to build upon such a promising first season in England.

With Luke Shaw nursing numerous injuries of his own, United have struggled at left-back in Malacia’s absence. At times, albeit for only a few moments, Antony was even instructed to cover the position.

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In quotes relayed by the Mirror, Ten Hag issued an update on Malacia. The 54-year-old said: “Malacia hasn’t played a minute all season. He hasn’t even been on the training pitch once.

“We had recruited Malacia at the start of last season precisely as a back-up for Luke Shaw, those two options had to bring us a lot. The idea with Malacia was very good, and he just did well last season, but this season we never had him.”

Ten Hag added: “This season is by far the hardest season I have ever had. Of everyone in the organisation, I have had the most contact with the club doctor this season. I think that says it all.”

On Shaw, who suffered a broken leg nine years ago, the United boss said: “Shaw is the best left-back in the world, he is so good. But he had a very serious injury at the beginning of his career. As a result, he will never be able to play 60 games in a year.”

Ten Hag currently faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, with his contract set to expire next year. While he still has 12-months left on his deal, United have considered numerous candidates to replace the Dutchman.

With the summer transfer window opening on June 14, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has less than two weeks to make a decision. After leading the Reds to FA Cup glory last month, the former Ajax boss told BBC One: “The only thing I’m doing is preparing my team, developing my team.

“This is a project for me. When I came in I can say it was a mess. Now we are better. We are not where we want to be. Football is about winning trophies. I want to play the best football, dynamic, attacking football but in the end you have to win games and trophies.

“That’s the mentality we brought in. This was our one opportunity and we did it. I‘m very proud of the players and staff.”