Table of Contents
- The defender was ruled out for the entire last season after undergoing double knee surgery.
- Ten Hag was forced into a crisis at left back due to the absence of Luke Shaw
- PLUS: Manchester United bosses spend time with players in Los Angeles
Tyrell Malacia could return to action for Manchester United in two months, Erik ten Hag has revealed.
The Dutch defender was Ten Hag’s first signing as United manager following his £14.7m move from Feyenoord two years ago, and made 39 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford.
However, Malacia did not play at all last season due to double knee surgery, leaving United desperately short at left-back during Luke Shaw’s lengthy injury absences.
However, the 24-year-old Dutchman has returned to training at Carrington while the majority of the squad have been on tour in the United States, and Ten Hag believes he could possibly return to action in October.
“He’s in a good moment now, but he’s not here because I’ve only brought in players who could play matches or be available for team training,” said Ten Hag. “He hasn’t come that far, but he’s in a progressing situation now. In a relatively short time, he’ll be able to train with the team again and then play with the team.”
Tyrell Malacia missed all of last season after undergoing double knee surgery in 2023.
The loss of his first signing as Manchester United manager left Erik ten Hag painfully short in defence
But the coach was positive when talking about the possible return of his compatriot next season.
Asked how long that might last, Ten Hag replied: “I think it would be possible in two months.”
Injured Hojlund relaxes in Los Angeles
Rasmus Hojlund was no doubt looking forward to some time to relax during Manchester United’s summer tour of California, but a cryotherapy chamber was probably not what the Danish striker had in mind.
Hojlund has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a thigh injury during United’s friendly against Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles last weekend. He wasted no time in beginning his recovery, stripping down to shorts and socks to brave the frigid temperatures which can reach -140 degrees Celsius.
At least Hojlund was able to see the funny side of the situation, as he posted a photo of himself on camera wearing a face mask and the caption: “Don’t worry. In Scandinavia, we call this summer.”
Rasmus Hojlund had a witty comment for his followers while recovering in a cryotherapy chamber in Los Angeles.
The injury ruled Hojlund out of the remaining two games of United’s American tour, the Community Shield against Manchester City and, most likely, the first three Premier League games of the season against Fulham, Brighton and Liverpool. However, he is expected to return to action in mid-September after the international break.
There is no pity for Yoro for Utd
Leny Yoro’s metatarsal fracture is a blow for Manchester United, coming just two weeks after his £59m move from Lille, but the club are looking to take some positives from their three-month layoff.
Club staff hope this will give the French teenager time to settle in England and adapt to life at United so that Yoro is fully prepared when he returns to action in November.
Yoro is understood to have injured his left foot in a clash with Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. He received treatment on the pitch before limping off in the 33rd minute of what was only his second appearance for United after making his debut against Rangers in Edinburgh.
Leny Yoro (centre) is expected to miss up to three months and delay the start of his Manchester United career after picking up an injury on tour.
The summer signing was seen on crutches after picking up the injury against Rangers last week.
The top brass eat and greet
United’s new leadership team has kept a low profile on this tour and Confidential understands new chief executive Omar Berrada, club director Sir Dave Brailsford, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox have also been visible behind the scenes.
The club’s top brass have been dining with the players at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills as they familiarise themselves with the team and try to foster a sense of togetherness on the first tour since Ineos’ investment under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United have also tried to encourage more interaction between players to avoid cliques by opting for one long table at mealtimes rather than smaller, round tables dotted around the dining room.
