Manchester United are reportedly interested in making Feyenoord’s Tyrell Malacia their first signing of the Erik ten Hag era.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from The Sun who claim that Manchester United will back their incoming manager in this summer’s transfer window, with Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia “set” to join the Premier League side for a fee of around £20m.
The Pitbull
Known as a “pitbull” for his tackling technique, Malacia has been described as “the sharpest [full] back in the Eredivisie” as per NOS Sport.
In 31 league appearances this season, Malacia has notched up a respectable five attacking returns in the form of one goal and four assists.
Should Man Utd sign Malacia?
Whilst boasting some healthy numbers for his defensive participations, with his average of 2.7 tackles per game perhaps a standout, the 22-year-old has asserted himself as a creative threat this season.
Malacia’s eight big chances created see him rank second in Feyenoord’s squad this season, with his expected assists total of 5.9xA another demonstration of his offensive quality.
Though the signing of the Netherlands international will most certainly provide additional competition for Luke Shaw, the move could also see the likes of Alex Telles and Brandon Williams axed, something that would no doubt delight supporters who are keen to see the overall quality of the squad improve.
Brandon Williams has been on loan at Norwich this season and having suffered a relegation with the Canaries, is eager to return to Old Trafford having said: “I know I can play in this league, and I know I can get to the top and that’s what I want to do” (as per Manchester Evening News).
Telles, on the other hand, has started just 44% of his 19 appearances for United this season having chipped in with four assists – a creative return more than Luke Shaw, who has shared the left-back spot with the Brazilian this season.
The signing of Malacia could cause a domino effect for Manchester United’s full-backs this summer, with the likes of Telles and Williams surely concerned over their place in the squad, come next season.
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