The official matchday programme for Manchester United's clash with Arsenal features an insightful interview with Tyrell Malacia that explores our summer signing's life and fledgling career so far.
The full Q&A with the Dutchman is only available to read in our legendary United Review and you can pick up a copy at Old Trafford or by ordering one online.
There is plenty to enjoy in Malacia's interview and a lot to learn about the former Feyenoord man. Here are just five sections that stand out…
AN EARLY DECISION
Malacia begins by reflecting on his early years and how he got into football, admitting he moved away from another sport he was passionate about.
There is plenty to enjoy in Malacia's interview and a lot to learn about the former Feyenoord man. Here are just five sections that stand out…
AN EARLY DECISION
Malacia begins by reflecting on his early years and how he got into football, admitting he moved away from another sport he was passionate about.
“My dad used to play football, that’s why I also played football. I also did a little bit of kickboxing and at the end I made a choice to do football. When I was six, I think, I started at my amateur club where my dad also played and that’s how it began for me.”
BEATING THE ODDS
As the interview continues, Tyrell reveals how he stood out amongst hundreds of other children to impress academy scouts.
A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT
The conversation moves on to United and his first few months as a Red: specifically, the experience of starting for the first time in our 2-1 win over Liverpool at a raucous Old Trafford. Asked what it was like, he states: “For me, if I play a game, it’s difficult because I only focus on what’s happening on the field. It’s difficult to explain because after the game a lot of my family were asking me how it was with the fans. I told them, ‘I don’t really know!’ [smiles]. Because I don’t hear them, I just focus on the game. But then after the game I saw everybody clapping and screaming. It was amazing.”
As the interview continues, Tyrell reveals how he stood out amongst hundreds of other children to impress academy scouts.
“I joined Feyenoord when I was about eight,”he recalls. “I went there with a friend of mine and we did ‘talent days’. They picked me and I think two or three more guys from the three or four hundred kids at the end. And yeah, of course, I was a Feyenoord fan!”
A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT
The conversation moves on to United and his first few months as a Red: specifically, the experience of starting for the first time in our 2-1 win over Liverpool at a raucous Old Trafford. Asked what it was like, he states: “For me, if I play a game, it’s difficult because I only focus on what’s happening on the field. It’s difficult to explain because after the game a lot of my family were asking me how it was with the fans. I told them, ‘I don’t really know!’ [smiles]. Because I don’t hear them, I just focus on the game. But then after the game I saw everybody clapping and screaming. It was amazing.”
MARTINEZ X MALACIA
Fans are currently loving the defensive solidity that’s been on show across our three consecutive league wins and particularly on the left, where Tyrell has formed a strong partnership with his inside centre-back Lisandro.
Fans are currently loving the defensive solidity that’s been on show across our three consecutive league wins and particularly on the left, where Tyrell has formed a strong partnership with his inside centre-back Lisandro.
“Yeah, we speak a lot with each other about football and he’s a good guy. He’s a great defender and gives us good energy. You saw that in the game against Liverpool also, so I love to work with him.”Asked if Martinez is a warrior off the pitch, Malacia laughs: “No! He’s a little bit quiet. He smiles and talks a lot [on the pitch] but he’s not like that off the field.”
AN INFLUENTIAL ROLE MODEL
While previewing Sunday’s match, the attention turns to a man who played for Feyenoord, Arsenal and United in Robin van Persie. Tyrell idolises the Dutch icon and admits he has been in contact with him, but not about this weekend’s fixture.
Read the full interview by ordering a copy of United Review.
While previewing Sunday’s match, the attention turns to a man who played for Feyenoord, Arsenal and United in Robin van Persie. Tyrell idolises the Dutch icon and admits he has been in contact with him, but not about this weekend’s fixture.
“I have spoken with him but not a lot about the two teams. It was just about his career and what his feeling was in England and that kind of stuff.”
Read the full interview by ordering a copy of United Review.