Manchester United had few positives to take from the team’s Europa League opener against Real Sociedad.
There was one player who stood out for good reasons, summer signing Tyrell Malacia.
Malacia was deprived of a rest after an injury to Luke Shaw ruled him out, and so the Dutchman started in his fifth consecutive game.
The left-back was Manchester United’s best player on the night, and granted, there were not many good candidates to choose from, but Malacia was a genuine bright spot.
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Manchester United’s best player against Real Sociedad
Malacia was Manchester United’s best player against Real Sociedad, showing initiative with his defending to frequently help win the ball back for the team.
The Dutchman helped to start off United’s attacks, and regularly got forward to join in the build-up play, especially in the first half.
He played a very smart through ball in the second half which should have put Anthony Elanga through, but the Swede could not take the ball in his stride.
Malacia made 81 touches in total, and had two successful dribbles, also winning two free-kicks.
He won seven out of eight duels he contested, also making six ball recoveries, one block, one interception and winning two tackles.
The 23-year-old has been a real find for United since his summer move from Feyenoord, and earlier this week a talk show in Holland called for him to be his country’s first choice left-back at the World Cup.
It was easy to see why on this performance. He has been a seamless fit into United’s team, and even when fit, it is hard to see how Luke Shaw might get back into the first choice XI right now.
Malacia was very unfortunate to be on the losing side. This was his first defeat as a starter in a United shirt, and hopefully there won’t be many more like this to come anytime soon.
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