Van Persie proud of Malacia's progress
Robin van Persie believes his fellow countryman Tyrell Malacia is an inspiration to everybody back in the Netherlands.
Our former striker, who helped propel Sir Alex Ferguson's side to the Premier League title a decade ago after signing from Arsenal, was with Malacia at Feyenoord in 2018/19, during the final season of the centre-forward's career.
Robin believes the promising full-back has to keep learning every day, from Erik ten Hag and his coaches, but has been impressed by the way he has adapted to our manager's style and demands, following much work on the training pitch.
"I do believe, per window, [you have] to get a couple of the right players in, and Tyrell Malacia is one of them," van Persie told club media during his recent trip to Carrington. "He wasn’t really well known before he came.
"I played with him at Feyenoord, so I knew how good he was, and still is, and he is proving that every game.
"When it clicks and when it's clear what to do, because clearly [there are] both full-backs - Diogo Dalot on the right side, you have Luke Shaw sometimes on the left, or Tyrell - you can see that they know exactly what to do in ball possession, as well when the opponent has the ball. He’s doing that so well and I’m so proud of him.
"He’s from my city," added van Persie. "He’s from my club. He’s giving a lot of youngsters hope.
"He is now playing on the highest level and competing against the best. He’s not only giving youngsters here hope, he’s giving youngsters in Holland hope, like okay, if you play well, there is a possibility that you can go really far, so that you end up playing for a team like Manchester United, and I’m just proud of him.
"I hope he keeps developing and improving and stays hungry to keep getting better every day."