Tyrell Malacia believes Manchester United can achieve more success this season as the Reds look to build upon February’s Carabao Cup triumph at Wembley.
The Dutch international is aiming to play a part in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 qualifiers against France this Friday evening and Gibraltar on Monday, before returning to United for the final two months of the 2022/23 campaign.
Malacia has made 30 appearances so far during his debut season at the club and he is set to play an important role in April, when Erik ten Hag’s side are tasked with playing nine fixtures in three different competitions, starting with a visit to high-flying Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old is confident United are heading in the right direction and has explained what he and his team-mates need to do in the hunt for more trophies.
“We have a good team, with good qualities, but we have to be focused and keep improving,”
said Malacia, in an exclusive interview with club media.
“Everything is possible.”
The Dutch defender has settled well into Manchester since his move from Feyenoord last summer, forming strong bonds with his United team-mates.
When asked about his blossoming partnership with Marcus Rashford on the left flank, Tyrell replied: “We give each other energy, we speak a lot with each other and, in the dressing room, we sit next to each other. We have a good connection, that’s important and you can see it on the pitch.”
Malacia also discussed his bond with Luke Shaw, as the duo have enjoyed a healthy battle for the left-back spot in Ten Hag’s starting XI.
“It's the same as with Marcus - we have a good connection and we talk a lot with each other. He [Luke] has been here quite a while and he knows how everything works on the pitch and with the club.
“If I have questions, I can always ask him and he helps me.”
While competing for the same position at Old Trafford, Malacia and Shaw have also experienced playing alongside one another due to the latter’s versatility and ability to operate as a centre-back.
“I know what he’s capable of - he’s good on the ball,”
said Tyrell.
“I think the coach also knows his qualities, that’s why he put him there [at centre-back]. The coach knows what he’s doing.”