Man Utd boss takes unusual approach with exiled defender
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim took the unprecedented step of consulting his players about the future of defender Tyrell Malacia, who had been training separately from the first team squad.
According to reports from The Athletic, the Portuguese coach asked United's playing staff for their opinions on what should happen with the Dutch left-back after the summer transfer window closed.
The term 'bomb squad' in football refers to players who have been excluded from first-team activities, often being made to train with youth teams or development squads while the club attempts to move them on.
Malacia's failed transfers and squad return
Malacia was part of a five-player group at Old Trafford that also included Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho. While the other four players either secured permanent moves or loan deals away from the club, Malacia remained as the only member of this group still at United.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international saw potential moves to Turkish side Eyupspor and Spanish club Elche collapse during the summer window, leaving him in limbo at Carrington.
United players reportedly 'spoke in favour' of Malacia's reintegration into first-team training when consulted by Amorim. The manager acted on this feedback, with Malacia returning to the bench for United's Premier League victory over Brighton last month.
Left-back's challenging United career
Former United coach Rene Meulensteen acknowledged in August that Malacia's move to the club 'never really worked out' since his £13 million transfer from Feyenoord three years ago.
The defender has managed just 47 appearances for United since his arrival in the summer of 2022, with only three Premier League outings last season before being sent on loan to PSV.
Malacia faces significant competition for the left-back position, with Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Diego Leon all ahead of him in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
