Tyrell Malacia has played just two minutes of football for Man Utd this season and could leave Old Trafford before the transfer window closes.
Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia could still leave Manchester United this month(Image: )
View Image
Manchester United are yet to make a decision on whether Tyrell Malacia will be allowed to leave Old Trafford this month, with clubs in Europe interested in signing the left-back.
Malacia was placed in the 'bomb squad' in the summer and made available for transfer, only to remain at the club for the first half of the season with no deal struck.
The 26-year-old was reintegrated into the first-team squad in October and has made the bench for 13 of the last 15 games in all competitions, but he has been used only once when coming on as an 88th-minute substitute against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
It's been a frustrating year for the Netherlands international, who joined PSV Eindhoven on loan for the second half of last season but returned to his parent club after making 12 appearances, with just six starts.
There has been interest in Malacia from clubs in Italy, Spain and Turkey this month, but it is understood there is no move imminent. The former Feyenoord defender has just five months remaining on his United contract and will be released at the end of the season if a deal isn't done this month, although he is keen to get more games under his belt.
He was the only one of five players placed in Amorim's infamous 'bomb squad' who didn't end up leaving Old Trafford in the summer. Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford all secured moves away, either permanently or on loan.
Malacia played 45 minutes for United's Under-21s against Wolves earlier this month, scoring in a 4-1 win. He has proven his fitness since missing 517 days with two serious knee injuries.
He made his comeback in an EFL Trophy game against Huddersfield in November 2024 and went on to make eight further appearances for United before his move to PSV last January.
Malacia's place in the matchday squad could be in jeopardy, with Noussair Mazraoui set to return from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Morocco before Sunday's trip to Arsenal. Mazraoui offers full-back cover on the left and right, while Luke Shaw is the first-choice at left-back in Michael Carrick's back four.
Patrick Dorgu can also play at left-back, although he played on the wing in the win against Manchester City last weekend. United also have the highly rated 18-year-old Diego Leon in their ranks.