Erik ten Hag has opened up on Tyrell Malacia after the injured Manchester United star was included in the Red Devils’ squad for the Europa League campaign.
Tyrell Malacia missed the entirety of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign after he underwent knee surgery in 2023 and has been recovering on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old Dutch left-back was expected to return in January, but Malacia’s long-awaited return to first-team action has been delayed due to injuries.
Malacia, who has not featured for Manchester United since May 2023, underwent surgery for the second time for his injury and is now tipped to play this season.
The United full-back returned to training at Carrington in July and Malacia could be available for Erik ten Hag to pick in early October.
Despite the uncertainty around Malacia’s return to football, Ten Hag made the decision to include the Dutch defender in his 25-man Europa League squad.
Ten Hag on Man Utd star Malacia
Manchester United secured their place in the 2024-25 Europa League campaign after defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May.
The Red Devils kick off their Europa League season on 25th September against Twente at Old Trafford, which is the club that Erik ten Hag used to play for.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, Ten Hag shared an update on Tyrell Malacia and revealed that he is “making big steps” to overcome his injuries
“Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away,” he said.
“Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment.
“He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural.
“I expect also, soon, he can return [to] games then.”
Man Utd and Europa League campaign
United learned last month who their eight opponents would be in the new-look league phase of the Europa League for the 2024-25 season.
The Red Devils will welcome Rangers, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt and Twente to Old Trafford for their four home fixtures in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s men will travel away to FCSB, Viktoria Plzen, Fenerbahce and Porto for their other four fixtures in the European campaign.
The Europa League draw means there will be a reunion for United with former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho, who is currently in charge of Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce will host United on 24th October at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul for their third Europa League fixture in the league phase.
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