“It is, of course, difficult" - Manchester United star reveals he felt 'done' during tough FIFA World Cup campaign
Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia has spoken of his disappointment at the lack of game time he was afforded at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Netherlands.
Malacia, 23, was called up to Louis van Gaal's 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar but didn't make a single appearance. The former United boss opted to field veteran defender Daley Blind at left-back as the Oranje bowed out in the quarterfinals on penalties to eventual winners Argentina.
Malacia has now commented on the lack of opportunities during Netherlands' FIFA World Cup campaign, saying that he found it difficult. He said (via Inside Futbol):
“It is, of course, difficult when you are not allowed to get any minutes."
He continued,
“You keep hoping in every game, and you do your best in training. You try to support the team as much as possible, but it was certainly difficult."
Malacia has impressed for Manchester United since arriving from Feyenoord in the summer for £13 million.
He has made 17 appearances across competitions, helping the Red Devils keep seven clean sheets. The Dutchman is eager to play every game and spoke of his exasperation of not appearing during the World Cup:
“I want to play every game, so yes, it was difficult to when you are in the squad for so many weeks and still don’t play. Of course, I had a moment of, ‘I am done’ for a while."
He concluded by touching on his willingness to pick himself back up from the disappointment:
“But you always have to pick yourself up, as you never know when you have to be there. You always have to be ready.”
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Three points to end 2022 at Old Trafford. Saturday the last one of the year 💪🏾🔜 https://t.co/ZrfgILHJQm
Malacia featured in five of the Oranje's eight games before the World Cup in Qatar. He has earned six international caps, making two assists, after being handed his debut by Van Gaal in September 2021.
Manchester United could be without 5 players for Wolverhampton Wanderers trip
Manchester United's next game is against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday (December 31).
The Red Devils won both games following the World Cup break, beating Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup and Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the league. Ten Hag's side are fifth in the league, trailing fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur by a point, but have a game in hand.
Manchester United will be eager to continue their winning ways against Wolves but may have to do so without five players, per Birmingham Mail. There are doubts over the availability of Victor Lindelof, who missed the side's win over Forest. Jadon Sancho and Axel Tuanzebe are also expected to be ruled out.
Getting ready for another #PL test 🌪
#MUFC https://t.co/xf7paU6Wk9
Scott McTominay will be monitored ahead of the clash at Molineaux, while Diogo Dalot is recovering from a hamstring injury.