What has happened to Tyrell Malacia? The curious case of the missing Man United defender

Manchester United signings under Erik ten Hag have not had the long-lasting impact many fans had hoped for, especially so in the case of Tyrell Malacia.

The left-back was the manager’s first signing as United boss, arriving from Feyenoord for £13m. He briefly usurped Luke Shaw in the pecking order but is now comfortably viewed as the back-up in that position - that is, when he is available.

Malacia has not kicked a ball all season, and it is approaching 11 months since he last trotted out in United colours. The Dutchman, who played 39 times last term, underwent a major knee operation in the summer and missed the whole of pre-season as a result.

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While the likes of Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo have made returns from serious setbacks, Malacia is yet to reappear. The 24-year-old was captured in the 2023/24 squad photo but has not been snapped by club cameras since.

The defender had spent some time in the Netherlands during his recovery and was spotted undergoing light individual work a week before Halloween, when sources hinted at an ambitious November return. That was frightfully optimistic, it appears.

Malacia suffered a setback in his rehabilitation and a comeback in the new year was targeted. He was back at Carrington in December to work towards that goal but it seems his recovery journey has hit another snag.

That has become the theme of United’s season when it comes to injuries. Luke Shaw is yet to return from his second setback of the season, Lisandro Martinez has suffered his third issue of the campaign and Mason Mount has missed 26 games in his maiden year