'We can expect him': Erik ten Hag has now dropped huge update on 25-year-old star

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that Tyrell Malacia is expected to return to team training at a short notice.

The Netherlands international has not featured for the Red Devils since the 2022/23 season after undergoing a knee surgery.

His recovery has been prolonged due to multiple setbacks, but it may not be long before the 25-year-old returns to first-team training.

Speaking in today’s press conference, Ten Hag confirmed that Malacia is working very hard and is expected to be involved soon.

He told Manutd.com: “Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.

“Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment.

“He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural.

“I expect also, soon, he can return into games then.”

United handed huge boost on Malacia

Malacia was pictured training individually in July. The club recently dropped a big hint by including him in the Europa League squad.

This suggests that he is close to training with the group. The news should be a huge boost for United with the hectic schedule this term.

The club have two additional games in the new league phase of the Europa League and rotation could be necessary to avoid burn-offs.

Luke Shaw has been injury prone during his time at United. It is unlikely that he will start every game once he recovers from his calf issue.

Ten Hag will want to rotate his left-back options. Diogo Dalot has fared decently as a makeshift option, but the manager should prefer a specialist.

Malacia had several good moments in his debut season. He caught the eye with his tireless work rate and ability to make defensive contributions.

He could be eased into action over the coming months and could have a more meaningful role to play during the second half of the campaign.