Malacia reviews United cup run

In an exclusive interview with club media, our no.12 reviews our Emirates FA Cup run so far, taking in the Old Trafford visits of Everton, Reading, West Ham and Fulham.

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…

Ty, our FA Cup journey began in January, when we played Everton. Was it a matter of pride for you to play in your first FA Cup game? Did you watch the FA Cup growing up in the Netherlands?
“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.”

The fifth round was against West Ham. We went one-nil down in that game and had to come from behind. Does the crowd at Old Trafford always give you the belief that we can come back and win games, even if we do concede that first goal?
“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.”