'Encouraging news': Man Utd confirm return of £12.9m summer signing at Carrington
Manchester United have provided an injury update on Tyrell Malacia ahead of their pre-season.
Malacia has not featured for Man United since undergoing surgery on a knee meniscus injury last summer.
He missed the entire 2023/24 season due to the injury and also suffered setbacks during his recovery.
The Red Devils have confirmed his return on the field but on an individual training programme.
The official statement on ManUtd.com: “There was encouraging news from Carrington on Friday after Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia progressed his fitness programme.
“Young left-back Malacia returned to base earlier this week, after working hard throughout his summer break.
“Tyrell has this week been pictured training individually on the grass under the guidance of medical staff.
“He is doing everything he can to regain full fitness.”
Left-back spot a major concern for Erik ten Hag
One of the major reasons Ten Hag could not stamp his authority last season was due to the absence of a specialist left-back.
Apart from Malacia, first-choice Luke Shaw faced numerous injuries which forced him to sit on the sidelines for 37 of the club’s 52 games.
United were optimistic about the return of the duo and opted to cut short Sergio Reguilon’s loan in January.
Unfortunately, Malacia never returned and Shaw faced additional injuries.
Ten Hag was forced to play Diogo Dalot, Sofyan Amrabat, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof in the left-back position.
Malacia’s return to grass is positive news but he is not match-fit yet. United also did not confirm when he could be available for selection.
The Dutch left-back moved to Old Trafford in 2022 from Feyenoord for a reported fee of £12.9 million.
He was Ten Hag’s first signing at United and is currently on a £75,000-a-week contract.
The Red Devils are eyeing a new left-back to avoid repeating last season’s costly missteps.
They have already tabled an opening bid for Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu at the insistence of the United head coach.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com.