Malacia responds to legends' praise

Ferdinand and Evra were among the pundits to praise the 23-year-old for his combative and tenacious performance against Liverpool.

Rio singled out Malacia for the way in which he helped keep Mohamed Salah quiet, despite the Egyptian's late goal, and compared his style of play to Evra, whom he appeared alongside at United for so many years.

Evra was measured in his response, saying it will take time for Malacia to start to emulate his achievements, but he also emphasised the former Feyenoord man’s determination, hunger and selflessness.

And Tyrell was happy to find out about the comments in an exclusive interview with club media.

“It’s the first time hearing it, because I don’t watch the media,” Tyrell told us.

“So, for me, it is the first time I’m hearing this but it’s a big compliment.

“I’m honoured to get this compliment from [them], yeah.”

Fans in the United App also loved Tyrell’s showing against Liverpool, with 69 per cent awarding him a five-star mark for his display in a poll.

Although Malacia stood out in a real team performance, it was another member of the backline, in Lisandro Martinez, who won our Official Man of the Match award.

Malacia is enjoying the energy and mentality that Martinez – who, like him, arrived from the Eredivisie this summer – is bringing to the side at this early stage of the season.

“We speak a lot with each other about football and he’s a good guy,” he added. “He’s a great defender and gives us good energy.

“You saw that in the game against Liverpool also, so, yeah, I love to work with him.

“It’s all with the mentality. That’s where it all starts. You start playing football but, first, you have to start with winning your duels.

“You have to give everything and that’s what we need.”