Manchester United full-back Tyrell Malacia feels the future is bright under Erik ten Hag, as we aim to reach our second cup final of the season.
Tyrell also touches upon his KNVB Cup win with Feyenoord in 2018, which ignited in him a hunger for trophies shared by the rest of the Reds squad…
“Yes, of course. I was there last season also, at Wembley, to watch the [FA Cup] semi-finals, so now that I’m here, it’s amazing, yeah. It’s famous in the Netherlands and now that I’m here, I’m happy to play.”
You started that Everton game and Marcus Rashford was the matchwinner on that occasion, scoring twice. How good has it been to play with him this season?
“It’s great. We also have a good connection off the pitch, so I’m happy for him. He’s doing well and I’m looking forward to the semi-final.”
Reading were our next opposition in the fourth round, a Championship side. Is it a different challenge when you come up against a team in a lower division?
“No, because in England I think everybody goes the full 100 per cent, so you always have to be sharp in these games. It’s always an important game.”
As has been the case with all our cup games this season, it finished 3-1 and this time it was Casemiro scoring the two goals. How important has he been for us this season?
“Yeah, really, really important. He’s had a big impact on and off the pitch, especially in the dressing room and on the pitch. So yeah, he’s important.”
Watching him for Real Madrid for so many years, it was clear how good a defensive midfielder he is, but have his goals been a nice little bonus for us this season?
“Yes, of course. In attacking areas, he’s also important with goals and assists, so you can see he’s a big player, yeah.”
“Yeah, they always give us the extra push. Also, as a team we know we have to deal with setbacks and, if we do, we’ll get there because we have enough quality.”
The winner was scored by Alejandro Garnacho in injury time. It was a brilliant goal, as he bent the ball inside the far post and into the net. Was that one of the best moments of the cup run so far do you feel?
“Yeah, it was a crazy feeling and I was so happy for him. He has the qualities to do that, so the moment he cut inside, you knew there was a big chance for him to score.”