Manchester United will face a selection dilemma at wing-back during the African Cup of Nations.
The dates Manchester United fans feared are here. Three stars have now departed to play at the African Cup of Nations, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui.
While Mazraoui can operate in a back-three, together with Amad, his exit removes two wing-back options away from United.
This leaves Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot as cover. United could push Luke Shaw forward, although Ruben Amorim has so far been reluctant to do so.
And with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire battling injuries, Shaw could be needed in the back three.
There is another option staring Ruben Amorim in the face, Tyrell Malacia.
Should Man Utd give Tyrell Malacia another chance with Amad and Mazraoui away at AFCON?
Tyrell Malacia graphic
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Tyrell Malacia is there, but has not felt like a realistic option
Manchester United wanted to sell Tyrell Malacia during the transfer window, or even loan him out.
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He was the one player United could not shift, and after some consideration, United decided to re-integrate Malacia back into the first team squad.
In recent weeks Malacia has been training with the first team and he has been a regular presence in matchday squads.
Ruben Amorim has named Malacia among the substitutes in six out of the last seven matches.
Manchester United Training Session
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Despite Malacia’s presence on the bench, there has never really seemed like a realistic possibility of him playing.
Amorim has made numerous defensive changes during these matches – but Malacia has not had a look in.
Patrick Dorgu has been called upon from the bench, with Diogo Dalot preferred at left wing-back.
Now, we expect to see Dalot on the right, and Dorgu promoted to starter on the left.
We are not expecting Malacia to become a serious contender to start – but by default, he has risen up the ranks.
Malacia could get minutes over the upcoming festive period, even if it is just to relieve pressure on Dorgu and Dalot late in games.
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Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United vs Liverpool.
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Malacia exit still expected
Tyrell Malacia is likely to push for an exit in January, and United are unlikely to stand in his way.
If there is a way to land a small fee on the defender, or even save on his wages, United will gladly take the opportunity.
But in the final few games in December, it remains more likely that Amorim will turn to Malacia than call up a youth prospect.
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Malacia has been an invisible presence on the bench in recent weeks. He’s there, but Ruben Amorim has not called on him, and nobody is talking about him.
The former Feyenoord man may now get a belated opportunity to show what he can do, and put himself in the shop window.
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