Why Man United defender Tyrell Malacia has gone missing?

Tyrell Malacia is not expected to play for Manchester United until next season as the Dutch left-back struggles with a knee meniscus injury.

Erik ten Hag has been left short-staffed in that position with both Malacia and first-choice Luke Shaw on the sidelines for large chunks of the campaign.

Malacia, 24, hasn't played a single minute this season with the £13million defender's last action coming for the Netherlands against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League semi-final last June.

The Athletic report that Malacia went again the advice of United when it was decided last summer to undergo surgery on his knee after discomfort in pre-season training.

United proposed a surgeon in London but Malacia wanted the operation carried out by his own choice of surgeon in the Netherlands, they say.

United accepted his request and the operation was conducted away from the club's oversight.

In the Autumn, however, as Malacia slowly worked back to fitness, scans revealed small fragments of cartilage remained around the meniscus.

Malacia was given the option of undergoing a second operation to remove the fragments, or to continue with his rehabilitation programme.

The decision was made to go under the knife of the same surgeon again in November, but this time with representatives from United overseeing it.

However, this meant Malacia had to start his rehab from scratch, with United announcing in December he'd suffered a 'setback' but would 'return to action early next year.'

Ten Hag has said publicly his understanding was that Malacia would be fit to return in January, hence the decision to cut short Sergio Reguilon's loan spell.

But Malacia still hasn't returned, leaving United having to field emergency left-backs with Shaw still out.

Aaron