Tyrell Malacia has found a new club after becoming a free agent in the summer following his departure from Manchester United
Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia has found a new club after leaving Manchester United
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Forgotten ex‑Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has completed a move to MLS side FC Cincinnati after leaving Old Trafford in the summer. The Dutch full‑back spent four years at United following his 2022 arrival from Feyenoord.
He now begins a fresh chapter in the United States, signing a one‑year deal with Cincinnati that includes an option for the 2027/28 Major League Soccer season, the club confirmed on Friday. Malacia had been on trial with the team last week.
Speaking to the club's website, General Manager Chris Albright said: "We are excited to add a player of Tyrell's experience. He's played at the highest levels of the game and understands the demands of competing in those environments.
"His quality on the ball, defensive instincts, and team-first mentality is a welcome addition to the group and we’re happy to have him in Cincinnati."
Malacia joined United for around £13million and was viewed as the long‑term successor to Luke Shaw, but his time at the club was disrupted by two serious knee injuries.
At the start of 2025, he moved to PSV on loan, which included an option to buy. He had previously agreed to join Benfica, but negotiations between the clubs broke down, with the proposed fee at the end of the season proving a major sticking point.
The Dutch left‑back had been eager for a temporary switch to rebuild his fitness and form after spending 18 months out with a knee injury that required two surgeries. Returning to United for the 2025/26 campaign, he made eight appearances from November onwards, but in five of his six starts he was substituted at half‑time.
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Across his four years at Old Trafford, Malacia made 50 appearances, though he featured only three times as a late substitute in the Premier League during the 2025/26 season.
After leaving the club, he expressed gratitude for experiencing 'beautiful' moments in Manchester.
He told ESPN: "I experienced beautiful things there, and less beautiful ones. I am certainly grateful that I was able to play for such a big club.
"Now I am focusing on the future. It is a closed chapter in my career. I am happy and curious to see what comes next."