Manchester United are set to make big changes again in January, and one name looks almost certain to leave.
Reports now say the club wants to sell Tyrell Malacia, even though manager Rúben Amorim has recently allowed the Dutch defender back into the first-team group.
United are on a small good run, unbeaten in five league games and winning three of them, but the club chiefs still believe the squad needs fixing.
And sadly for Malacia, it looks like he is one of the players who will be pushed out when the winter window opens.
Malacia Still Set For Exit Even After Amorim’s U-Turn
It looked a few weeks ago like Tyrell Malacia might be getting another chance at Old Trafford.
Amorim, who froze him out in the summer and placed him in the “for sale” group, made a surprise change and brought him back into training.
Players in the dressing room also spoke in favour of Malacia, saying he deserved to be back in the squad. Because of that, the Dutch left-back was named on the bench for United’s win over Brighton last month.
But despite all that, inside sources now say nothing has really changed for Malacia’s long-term future.
United chiefs still want to find a buyer for him in January. Fabrizio Romano has said the club’s “most likely plan” is to part ways with Malacia as soon as they get the chance.
The defender is out of contract next summer, earning around £75,000 per week, and will be free to talk to overseas clubs in January.
United do not want to lose him for nothing in June, so they are hoping a club will come with a reasonable offer during the winter window.
Even though Amorim has allowed him to train again, this is more for numbers and squad balance rather than a sign that he will play a big role. The club wants to move him on.
Injuries And Tough Competition Have Hurt Malacia’s Time At United
Malacia joined Manchester United back in July 2022 from Feyenoord. He was the first signing made by former manager Erik ten Hag, and at the time, the club paid around £14.7 million for him.
Many fans thought he would become a strong left-back option for years.
But things have not gone the way he or the club hoped. Long-term injuries have been a big problem, keeping him out for long spells and making it very hard for him to build any rhythm.
Even when fit, he has found it difficult to be first-choice, especially with Luke Shaw being the main player on that side.
This season has been even more frustrating. Malacia has not played a single minute so far. He was on the bench against Brighton, but then he did not make the squad for the next two matches against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
It shows that, even with Amorim’s U-turn, he is not really part of the matchday plans.
United’s left-back area has been a mess at times, with Shaw injured a lot and the club trying different solutions. Still, Malacia has not been selected to help, which tells you everything about where he stands.
United Wants a Fee Before It’s Too Late
Manchester United’s plan is simple: sell Malacia now before he becomes a free agent.
They know if they wait until the summer, they will lose him for nothing. So they hope a club from Europe will come in and make a fair bid.
There is also a financial reason behind this. United needs to lower its wage bill and free space for new signings.
With big spending already done on different positions, the club must move out players who are not being used.
Malacia’s wages and injury record make him a difficult player to keep, especially when he is not seen as a regular option.
United bosses believe it is better to cash in and put that money towards a new defender next year.
January Window Could Mark The End Of Malacia’s United Career
Unless something dramatic changes in the next few weeks, Tyrell Malacia is heading towards a January exit.
United will listen to any serious offers, and the feeling around the club is that his time at Old Trafford is nearly finished.
He has worked hard, he has stayed professional, and he has always been respected by his teammates.
But football at a huge club like Manchester United is harsh, and sometimes good players simply do not get the chance they hoped for.
For Malacia, a move away might actually be the best thing for his career.
Regular football, a fresh start, and a club where he can play without constant pressure could help him rebuild his confidence.
As things stand, the winter window looks like the moment his United story finally comes to an end.
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