Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is finally seeing a silver lining as he navigates the challenges of the current season. After grappling with a plethora of injury woes that plagued his squad last year, Ten Hag now finds himself in a position where he can afford to make tough choices about his starting XI. The return of Tyrell Malacia, the £15 million left-back who had been sidelined since May 2023, could significantly alter the dynamics of United’s backline and provide much-needed depth to a position that once seemed cursed
A Season to Forget
Last season was a nightmare for Ten Hag and Manchester United, particularly concerning injuries. Key players fell to various ailments, leaving Ten Hag to rely on an ever-changing cast of characters to fill the left-back role. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Sofyan Amrabat, Jonny Evans, and Antony all found themselves deployed in that position at various times. However, none were able to consistently make their mark, leading to instability and a lack of effectiveness on the left side of the defense.
This chaotic rotation at left-back not only highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities but also illustrated the dire need for a solid, reliable option. Fortunately, the landscape has begun to shift with Malacia’s anticipated return.
The Return of Tyrell Malacia
The Manchester United faithful have eagerly awaited news regarding Tyrell Malacia’s recovery, and their patience has finally paid off. After a long spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury that required extensive rehabilitation, Malacia is back in team training and appears to be on track for a return to competitive action before the year concludes.
In his debut season, Malacia made a strong impression, featuring in 39 matches and providing stiff competition for Luke Shaw. However, his lengthy absence has been felt, and his return is poised to rejuvenate the left-back position.
A More Robust Defense
With Malacia returning to fitness, United’s left-back situation looks far more promising. The club bolstered its ranks this summer by acquiring Noussair Mazraoui, who has quickly established himself as one of the standout signings of the transfer window. His impressive performances have allowed Diogo Dalot to transition effectively into a left-back role, demonstrating versatility that could prove invaluable throughout the season.
If and when Luke Shaw returns to full fitness, he may find himself vying for a place on the bench, as both Mazraoui and Dalot have been performing admirably. This scenario could leave Ten Hag with an enviable dilemma—having five competent options for two fullback positions. Alongside Malacia and Shaw, young prospect Harry Amass is also making waves and could soon join the first-team ranks.
The potential for rotation means that Ten Hag can manage the workloads of both Dalot and Mazraoui effectively. This strategy would not only enhance the team’s performance but also ensure that players are kept fresh as they navigate a packed schedule.
The Importance of Squad Depth
Reflecting on the injury struggles of the previous season, Ten Hag has recognized the need for a more dynamic approach to squad management. The heavy reliance on a limited selection of players in his first season led to fatigue and burnout. This time around, the manager is keen to utilize the squad depth to his advantage.
In a recent press conference prior to the match against Crystal Palace, Ten Hag candidly acknowledged the burden of overloading certain players due to a lack of alternatives last season. Now, with more options available, he rotated eight players in the recent fixture against Barnsley—a practice he intends to continue for the remainder of the campaign.
With the sheer volume of matches that United faces, each player can anticipate participating in at least 20 games, either as a starter or coming off the bench. While keeping all squad members satisfied poses its own set of challenges, it is a far more preferable situation than dealing with a depleted roster.
As Manchester United gears up for the remainder of the season, the return of Tyrell Malacia marks a significant turning point for the club. The left-back position, once a source of frustration and instability, is now set to be fortified with renewed talent and depth. Erik ten Hag’s ability to effectively rotate his squad will be crucial as he seeks to navigate the rigors of a demanding football calendar.
The transformation of United’s left-back position not only symbolizes hope for better performances but also illustrates Ten Hag’s commitment to learning from past challenges. With the right mix of experience and emerging talent, Manchester United is poised to tackle the season with a fresh perspective and renewed ambition.