Forgotten Man United defender set for his first minutes in almost 18 MONTHS after finally returning from injury in U21s clash

Tyrell Malacia is set for his first minutes in almost 18 months as he prepares to turn out for Manchester United’s Under-21s this evening.

Malacia has not played since featuring for United in the final game of the 2022-23 season, where he lasted 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.

He returned to team training in September following a long spell out injured, which included multiple set-backs during his rehabilitation process.

In a bid to ease Malacia back into things, he has linked up with Travis Binnion’s U21 side for their final Bristol Street Motors Trophy group game away to League One Huddersfield Town tonight.

Malacia’s absence has been as frustrating for him as it has been for coaches, with his expected return at the start of the year the reason why Sergio Reguilon’s loan was cut short by Erik ten Hag.

He returned to first-team training back in September and is set to link up with the U21s 

Malacia, who was Ten Hag’s first signing, arrived from Feyenoord in July 2022 on a four-year deal for £12.9million, with the potential of a further £1.2m in add-ons.

In his first season at the club he made 39 appearances, filling in for Luke Shaw, but a persistent knee issue has sidelined him ever since.

He initially had surgery but it did not go as planned and it has been a particularly difficult rehab for the Dutchman having had a second operation.

‘It was really tough to see him and the struggle that he’s been through,’ team-mate Diogo Dalot said earlier this season of Malacia upon his return to training.

‘You can’t imagine how difficult it would be to not be able to do what you love, your job, for such a long time.

‘That’s why we celebrated when he came on training with us, even if it was just for the little boxes… to make sure that he feels we are ready to welcome him and to keep helping him, because he’s going to need it.

‘At the end of the day, it was a really long time since he got an injury. We’re really pleased to have him. The team needs him and the club needs him, so we are really happy.’

The U21s defeated Barnsley earlier in the group phase, before winning on penalties against Doncaster Rovers following an impressive late comeback.