Manchester United loanee Matej Kovar labelled Red Devils left-back Tyrell Malacia a “machine” following the Reds’ 3-1 FA Cup win against Reading.
With Luke Shaw missing his second consecutive game due to illness, the former Feyenoord man once again formed part of Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up.
The 23-year-old, who was Ten Hag’s first United signing following his £13m move, has made 22 appearances for the twenty-time league champions since making the move to Old Trafford from his boyhood club.
Having not featured at the 2022 World Cup, the six-time Netherlands international has started eight of United’s 11 matches since the domestic campaign resumed.
Matej Kovar calls Tyrell Malacia a ‘machine’ after Reading win
Shaw has made 23 appearances this season, and it’s clear the healthy competition for the left-back berth is benefiting both the former Southampton youngster and Malacia.
No player from either side had as many touches as Malacia (108) in last night’s FA Cup fourth-round clash, as per WhoScored.
No one made more tackles than United’s number 16 (6). He also made one interception and won two aerial duels.
Malacia did have a lapse in concentration against the Royals which nearly allowed the Championship side to break the deadlock in first half injury time.
The Dutchman was caught ball watching and had it not been for David de Gea, Junior Hoilett would have given Ince’s side a shock lead at the Theatre of Dreams.
But having been let off the hook, Malacia held his hands up and apologised for his error.
One man who was impressed with Malacia’s cup display was Kovar.
The Czech Repulic Under-21 international, who is spending the 2022-23 campaign back in his homeland on loan at Sparta Prague, commented on Malacia’s Instagram post: “Machine”.
After the Czech league had its winter break, Kovar returned to action with Sparta last night in a 1-1 league draw against Sigma Olomouc.
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