Manchester United’s search for a new full-back has reached a critical point as Tyrell Malacia remains sidelined due to a knee injury that has kept him out of action for over a year. The 24-year-old Dutch defender last played for United in May 2023, and despite hopes of a summer return to training, he was notably absent from the squad that traveled to Los Angeles for pre-season preparations. The club confirmed that Malacia is continuing his rehabilitation at Carrington under the guidance of the medical staff, leaving a void in the left-back position.
Last season, Manchester United faced difficulties at left-back, exacerbated by Luke Shaw’s recurring injury issues, prompting the temporary signing of Sergio Reguilón. Manager Erik ten Hag had to improvise with emergency options like Victor Lindelöf and Sofyan Amrabat due to the lack of depth in the squad. With Shaw also missing the U.S. tour after his involvement in Euro 2024 with England, the team is left with inexperienced options in 17-year-old Harry Amass and 19-year-old Sam Murray for upcoming matches against top clubs like Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool.
Sources close to the club have revealed that Manchester United are actively exploring left-back options in the transfer market to prevent a recurrence of last season’s defensive frailties. Additionally, the club is considering right-back reinforcements if they can offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a reported £20m fee, as the defender enters the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. The absence of several key players like Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, and others from the U.S. tour due to extended breaks post international tournaments further underscores the need for squad depth and quality acquisitions.
In a separate announcement, Manchester United confirmed that Rasmus Højlund has been assigned the coveted No. 9 shirt previously worn by the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku, following Anthony Martial’s departure from the club at the end of the previous season. This change signifies a fresh start and new challenges ahead for the young striker as he aims to make a mark at Old Trafford and fill the void left by his predecessors.