Transfer Centre

Tyrell Malacia confirms Manchester United deal

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 July 2022

Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia all but confirms his impending move to Manchester United and is excited to work with Erik ten Hag for "many years".

Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia has seemingly confirmed that he will be signing for Manchester United in the coming days.

The Netherlands international was originally expected to sign for Lyon before the Red Devils hijacked a move at the last minute and agreed a fee with Feyenoord.

Malacia is understood to have agreed personal terms and completed his Red Devils medical on Monday ahead of being unveiled as the club's first signing under Ten Hag.

The 22-year-old has now opened up to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf about his impending Feyenoord exit, during which he expressed his belief that he will work with Erik ten Hag for "many years".

"Mr Ten Hag is a very good coach and also a warm person, so I had a good conversation with him and I have a very good connection with him," Malacia said.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on May 22, 2022 © Reuters

"That's important, because if all goes well we'll be working together for many years. I'm looking forward to that, because I think I can learn a lot from him. He has a record for improving players individually, as long as they are prepared to work hard.

"My team-mates at Feyenoord were very sad because I played together with some for so long and we really built a bond. Everyone wished me the best and I will always keep in touch with a lot of those guys.

"Feyenoord is my club - and it always will be. I am a boy of the club and of the city, so yes Feyenoord is my home and is forever in my heart."

Malacia joined Feyenoord's youth academy in 2008 and has risen through the youth ranks to register four goals and 10 assists in 136 games for the Rotterdam club in all competitions.

The five-cap Netherlands international scored one goal and set up five more in 50 games during the 2021-22 season as Feyenoord reached the final of the Europa Conference League before losing to Roma.

Feyenoord's Tyrell Malacia pictured in November 2021 © Reuters

Malacia will arrive at Old Trafford to compete with Luke Shaw and Alex Telles for the left-back spot, but the latter could be sold by the Red Devils after an underwhelming two-year stay.

Following confirmation of Malacia's move to Old Trafford, Man United chiefs are expected to increase their efforts to bring Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen to the club.

Eriksen has reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign for the Red Devils after running down his Brentford contract and will sign terms at the Theatre of Dreams until the summer of 2025.

However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reiterated that De Jong is not for sale, in spite of reports claiming that a "broad agreement" of £56m had been reached between the two clubs.