Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his delight over the signing of Tyrell Malacia and believes he could be a key player for the club going forward.
The Netherlands international became the club’s first signing of the summer this week. The exciting left-back put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with an option for 12 months.
He is now expected to make his friendly debut against Liverpool on July 12. Ahead of the game, Ten Hag has said that the 22-year-old suits the profile that the club were looking for.
The Dutch tactician added that he is a ‘modern left-back’ who can ‘really contribute’ in the defensive and offensive scheme of things for the Red Devils next term.
He said via Manutd.com: “I think he’s the modern left-back or full-back. He suits the profile [we were looking for] and most important from every full-back is that he closes the right area.”
“He can also take part in the offensive side of our game, and he can do that really well. I think he will really contribute to the team.”
Malacia could be a leading star for Man Utd
The Dutchman built his reputation at Feyenoord where he impressed on both ends of the field. He averaged a stunning 2.7 tackles per game over the recent season.
However, he was also involved in the final third of the pitch with one goal and five assists. His ability to shift from attack to defence particularly caught the eye.
Malacia is likely to start next season as the second-choice left-back behind Luke Shaw, but the pressure will be on the Englishman, who will need to stay unscathed first.
In the past, Shaw has been pretty much an undisputed left-back when fit regardless of his performances. However, that will no longer be the case under Ten Hag.
The 52-year-old won’t entertain a drop in performance levels. Malacia will get his fair share of minutes, and should fancy his chances of becoming the regular in the long run.
He still has room for improvement with his crossing and tackling in his own box, but should make progress in both aspects under Ten Hag, who is a hands-on manager.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and SofaScore.com
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