Manchester United’s deadline day was a scene of calm, but a sense of chaos mixed in as the day progressed, which left Jason Wilcox looking ruthless.
It was clear from the start of January that Man Utd were saving their war chest for the summer and would only do business for long-term targets.
So fixed was this stance that striking out on Antoine Semenyo caused immense friction between the board and Ruben Amorim, leading to his sacking.
That same ruthlessness by Ineos was once again on display on deadline day, and instead of a manager, it alienated a player this time.
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Tyrell Malacia waves to Man Utd fans
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Jason Wilcox’s U-turn on Tyrell Malacia
United can’t really afford to trim their senior squad further despite playing just one game every week, but if there was ever an expendable player in the squad, it’s Tyrell Malacia.
Malacia has been playing for the U21s side since being welcomed into the first team fold, and hasn’t pulled up any trees there either.
This has led to suggestions that United should just let him leave right now instead of paying him for six months more, when his contract expires.
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As it turns out, that is what was close to happening on deadline day, as Malacia was claimed by Dutch outlet Voetbal International to be ready to board a flight to Turkey to seal a move.
However, Jason Wilcox pulled the plug at the last minute, leading to the player returning to Manchester dejected and alienated.
It can be argued that it could all have been avoided with a little more patience from Malacia and a little better handling by Wilcox, but the club’s hands were tied.
Malacia became a victim of Man Utd’s squad situation
Ruben Amorim deserves ___ % credit for Michael Carrick’s BRILLIANT start at Man Utd
Fill in the blank. Did Amorim lay the foundation for success at Old Trafford?
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers split image
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers
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It sums up Malacia’s time at Old Trafford that he was needed, he wasn’t available, and when he is fit and wants to play, the board have no choice but to block his move.
He would have likely been allowed to leave had Patrick Dorgu not picked up a serious hamstring injury, as it leaves an injury-prone Luke Shaw as the only left-back option.
Malacia is stuck in a difficult situation where he can’t play because Shaw is fit, but can’t leave because Shaw might not be fit in any game, leaving the left-back spot empty.
One can understand his frustration of being blocked from restarting his career, but at the end of the day, he’s contracted to the club for six more months and will have to see it out now.
His spell at United will end in a whimper, and perhaps emblematic of his struggles since his debut season.
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