Change is in the air at Manchester United after the recent positive results against Arsenal and Real Sociedad, and the optimism seems to be rubbing off on Man Utd loanees as well.
In an effort to trim the wage bill and provide players with first-team football, Man Utd were extremely active in the winter window on the loan front.
Antony and Marcus Rashford headlined some high-profile loan moves, while the likes of Ethan Williams and Ethan Ennis found clubs for first-team football.
Rashford’s success on loan at Villa has been well documented, while Antony has been flying at Betis too. Add another name to that list of successful loans.
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Tyrell Malacia shines at PSV
It hasn’t been the smoothest of sailings for Tyrell Malacia at PSV since he joined them in the winter window with a buy clause attached.
Malacia starred on PSV debut but has since then been caught in the eye of the storm, being a part of some truly disastrous results.
From being told to “go back to Man Utd” in the wake of PSV’s 1-7 loss to Arsenal, to Malacia getting slammed for PSV’s UCL exit, he has had to face increased scrutiny due to being a Man Utd loanee.
However, his fortunes took a dramatic turn for the better on the weekend, with PSV traveling to RKC Waalwijk in a game crucial for title challenge.
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PSV emerged 3-0 victors and Malacia was among the best players on the pitch, bossing both ends of the field – attack and defence.
He played the full 90 and ended the game with a remarkable 98% passing accuracy, misplacing just one of his 63 attempts.
All six of his long balls found their target, while he was a key part in the buildup with his 83 touches of the ball. Add to that his seven recoveries, three won duels, and two tackles, this was truly an all-action display.
Malacia’s game suits the Dutch league
It must be said that even when PSV were losing 1-7 to Arsenal, Malacia was hardly the worst player on the pitch.
However, the contrast in his performances from Europe to the domestic league proves that his game is best suited to play in a dominating game in his home country.
He has been ever-present for PSV and shone in league matches while his displays in Europe have left a lot to be desired against quality opposition.
Perhaps he has lost that final bit of pace/acceleration due to his brutal injury history, making him a target for elite attacks whereas with PSV in the Eredivisie, he bosses possession.
There’s clearly a top-level player still there but it would be in the best interest of all parties if PSV trigger the buy clause and make the deal permanent.