Malacia anticipating Old Trafford bow
Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia says he is relishing the chance to potentially step out at Old Trafford for this first time this weekend, ahead of our Premier League opener against Brighton.
The 22-year-old, who joined the club from Feyenoord last month, featured heavily throughout the Reds' Tour '22 journey and also in our penultimate pre-season clash with Atletico Madrid just last week.
Bidding to use those performances as a springboard heading into the new campaign, our no.12 amplified his excitement at getting down to work before this weekend.
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“[I am] very excited,” began Malacia, as he spoke to club media earlier this week.
“I want to start the season well and I can’t wait to play in the Premier League.
“The last few weeks have been great – everyone has taken me in really well – the manager, the coaching staff and the guys… I feel really good.”
Malacia's attacking capabilties, as well as his astute defending, have left manager Erik ten Hag with just one of many selection dilemmas, as there are plenty of options now at left-back.
Having now had time to fully get to know our new Dutch head coach, the Netherlands international insisted coming over to Manchester to work with the former Ajax boss was a no-brainer.
“Again, very excited. From the first moment I spoke with him on the phone it felt good and now that I’m here it’s even better,” added the full-back.
Ten Hag believes Reds are ready for kick-off
ArticleErik says improvements must be made but feels pleased with the overall pre-season campaign.
“The manager is very involved in training and everyone likes that a lot and we are enjoying it.
“We can all learn a lot from him and it’s good for us all. I just try to play the football I did at my former club and I just want to keep developing. I’m really happy that I can bring my input here.”
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Malacia has also enjoyed time to bond with his new team-mates, including summer signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, something he admits has helped with the settling-in period.
“I knew Licha [Martinez] because I played against him and it’s great to get to know him properly now,” he added.
“Christian is the same – he speaks Dutch also and he’s a great guy. We are all settling in and it was great to play in pre-season, for me my performances were quite good, but there is always room for improvement and I am talking a lot with the coaches who are helping me a lot.
“I always want to develop myself and I’m just really happy to be here.”