Manchester United‘s initial signing under Erik ten Hag appeared to be a player from the Eredivisie, where the Dutchman won three trophies as Ajax’s head coach in five years.
On July 5, the Premier League club confirmed the signing of left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord on a four-year contract deal with a fifth-year option.
United surrendered four more goals than relegated Burnley in the 2021/22 Premier League. So it is no surprise that Ten Hag was looking to strengthen the defence. It was to make the Red Devils as frugal as his last championship club in Amsterdam (19 goals allowed in 34 games).
Is Tyrell Malacia a complete full-back for Manchester United?
Tyrell Malacia was a daring, athletic full-back who drew the attention of Feyenoord manager Arne Slot at an early age. He had five caps for his country and was chosen to the Europa Conference League Team of the Season for 2021/22 after helping his side reach the final.
Last season, the 22-year-old was the only player in a big European league to average more than 1.5 shots and dribbles per game and more than 2.5 tackles.
Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal complimented Malacia’s performance against Germany in March. He was highly regarded by previous managers Dick Advocaat and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who gave him his Feyenoord debut.
Contract and Salary
Tyrell Malacia has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford with a fifth-year option. On July 4, he passed a medical at United’s training facility in Carrington.
United are said to have negotiated an initial transfer package of £12.9 million ($15.4 million) with Feyenoord and £1.7 million ($2.1 million) in add-ons.
The three-time European winners are reported to have seized a Tyrell Malacia swoop planned by French club Lyon.
According to Capology, the Rotterdam-born prospect has been with Feyenoord since 2008, earning a weekly income of £6,464 ($7,822).
Malacia is likely to earn an annual wage increase to put him on a level with other young defenders who have yet to establish themselves at United.
According to Sportrac, Diogo Dalot gets £1.3 million, Axel Tuanzebe earns £2.6 million, and Brandon Williams earns £3.38 million.
Tyrell Malacia’s Information
- Height: 1.69m in (5-foot-7)
- 22 years old
- Left-back is the primary position.
- Dutch nationality
- 4 club goals
- Five international appearances
- Academy Teams: Feyenoord
- 136 club appearances
FIFA Ultimate Team Card for Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia received a FIFA Ultimate Team card rating of 77 in 2022, with his best attributes being his balance and leaping ability. Malacia also has above-average abilities in acceleration, sprinting, agility, and stamina.
Stats for FIFA Ultimate Team Cards
- Passing score: 64
- Dribbling: 75
- Pace: 81
- Shooting: 56
- Defence: 72
- Physical: 73
Tyrell Malacia’s Jersey Number at Manchester United
Tyrell Malacia has worn No.5 at Feyenoord in the previous two seasons after wearing No.15 for more than one season in 2018/19.
After breaking into the first team in 2017/18, he temporarily wore the No.35 shirt and had been the No.17 in the club’s junior tiers.
United’s current No.5 is captain Harry Maguire. But Malacia might play at No. 15. Andreas Pereira, the current holder, has been on loan at Flamengo. They are fighting with Fulham to sign him permanently.
The No.3 jersey — normally a left-number back — might become available if Eric Bailly transfers to the Cottagers, who are rumoured to be interested in signing him.
Malacia’s Playing Style
Malacia is influenced by David Alaba and Marcelo at Real Madrid, according to Slot. They are uncompromising defenders capable of keeping the finest strikers in the world quiet while impacting the game on the opposite end of the pitch.
Malacia was a tight marker and competent in zonal defence from an early age, according to Van Bronckhorst.
Malacia tagged Ajax and Brazil winger Antony, who has also been connected with United. In addition, Advocaat and former left-back Ruud Heus, who won the 1992/93 Eredivisie and four KNVB Cups with Feyenoord, were also included.
“What you see in Malacia against Antony is the whole picture,” Heus told Bleed Orange. “Antony and Malacia are both quick. Malacia and Antony are both quick.
“This is a Brazilian national team winger who is having difficulties with this Feyenoord left-back.”
“That suggests Malacia is a formidable opponent.” He has it all: speed, dynamism, agility, and a very good technique.”
How will Tyrell Malacia fit into Manchester United’s starting lineup?
Ten Hag may regard Tyrell Malacia as a solid value acquisition. He will bring intense competition and the prospect of progression with the more experienced Luke Shaw and Alex Telles among his left-back choices.
Slot, a striking Wideman, spoke to Malacia about taunting opponents less on his deft runs down the flanks. Advocaat wants him to provide more in the penalty area.
Tyrell Malacia scored one goal and assisted five others in 50 appearances in all competitions last season. Ten Hag will work with him to improve his threat as part of a fluid system.
United’s defensive issues are well-documented in 2021/22, with the club conceding 15 goals in their final seven league games alone. Tyrell Malacia might be instrumental in improving that record.
