Manchester United star Tyrell Malacia could leave the club this month despite interim manager Michael Carrick only being appointed this week.
That is according to Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst, who claims the Dutchman is set to hold private face-to-face talks with the 44-year-old over his future with just five months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
Malacia has ultimately been a flop after joining Man United in the summer of 2022 as the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era, making just 48 appearances for the club in three-and-a-half years.
The 26-year-old's one and only outing this season came as a substitute in the win against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Malacia Seeking Clarity on Future
Tyrell Malacia during a pre-match warm-up at Manchester United
According to Luckhurst, Malacia is seeking clarity on his future when he holds direct talks with Carrick, before making a decision on where his future lies.
The 26-year-old is said to have attracted some interest from clubs during the January transfer window, but none of the moves appeal to him as things stand.
United will release the defender in the summer regardless if they can't sanction a permanent exit before the February 2 deadline.
Malacia's time at Old Trafford has been blighted by injury, with an unfortunate 550-day spell on the sidelines following two separate knee surgeries.
The Dutchman was reintegrated into the Red Devils squad in October, but he has been an unused substitute on 11 occasions since then as his contract runs down.
Malacia was an Amorim 'Bomb Squad' Member
Ruben Amorim
Malacia was infamously part of the United 'bomb squad' under former manager Ruben Amorim, as he - along with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho - were told to report to training at a different time to their fellow first-team players.
All the aforementioned players secured a temporary or permanent exit from Old Trafford apart from the Netherlands international, who remained where he was.
He hasn't worked his way back into contention however, after spending the second half of last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.
Malacia January Exit Surely Likely
Tyrell Malacia
Malacia was struggling to get minutes for United when they were playing five defenders under Amorim, so it is difficult to see him getting anything at all when the Red Devils likely switch to a back four under Carrick for the remainder of the campaign.
The 26-year-old faces competition from Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw and Diego Leon for the left-back spot, while Lisandro Martinez can also play there as a last resort.
With United already deciding they will get rid of Malacia in the summer regardless, it is hard to see any reasoning for keeping him around any longer beyond the February 2 deadline.
The club needs to start looking at who the key players for them next season are going to be, with it being far more valuable to test some academy players - or youngsters like Leon - in the squad to see what they can offer Carrick - and the next permanent manager - in the future.
United would clearly have no issue offloading Malacia if the deal was right this month, with the biggest sticking point likely to be whether they can find the right move that suits the Dutchman too.
What is clear is that in the upcoming talks between Malacia and Carrick, there is going to be no other outcome than the defender being told he needs to leave - and if United can recoup some money this month, that's the route they surely have to go down.
Manchester United assistant coach Michael Carrick before facing Southampton. Related
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