Manchester United handed boost as long-term absentee spotted in training ahead of pre-season fixtures
Manchester United have been handed a boost as long-term absentee Tyrell Malacia was recently spotted in training ahead of their upcoming pre-season fixtures. Malacia notably spent his debut season at Old Trafford impressing across 39 appearances in all competitions, helping them win the Carabao Cup.
However, the 24-year-old picked up a knee injury in July 2023, which knocked him out of contention for the entirety of his second season with United. He missed a shocking 52 games, after completing his debut season at the club without a single injury.
There is good news for Manchester United now, though, as the 24-year-old is recovering and has been seen training at Carrington. The club released an update on the full-back, who had shown exciting quality on the flank, stating (via GOAL):
"There was encouraging news from Carrington on Friday after Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia progressed his fitness programme."
"Young left-back Malacia returned to base earlier this week, after working hard throughout his summer break. Tyrell has this week been pictured training individually on the grass under the guidance of medical staff."
Malacia will be working on getting back to training with the rest of the squad, as they prepare for their pre-season matches and make plans for the coming campaign.
Manchester United told how to bolster new signing's quality
Manchester United will be pleased about Tyrell Malacia's emergence on the training pitch, and the left-back will soon have a new teammate in Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bologna forward has made the switch to Old Trafford after an impressive season in Italy, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 37 games.
The Red Devils made a €42.5 million bid for the 23-year-old, which was accepted by Bologna. Now, the forward has joined up with the English giants as their first signing as they look to improve on a poor domestic campaign that saw them finish in eighth place.
United have been told how to get the best out of Zirkzee, with Tuttobologna editor Manuel Minguzzi saying (via Manchester Evening News):
"He has to understand the moments of games, when to make a difficult play or an easier one, but if he feels around the trust of coach and environment he can become an important player for United. He can play as a center forward or a second forward. He can do everything with the ball."
Zirkzee may find himself playing second fiddle to Rasmus Hojlund or alongside the Dane when Manchester United line up. Time will tell what part he will play under Erik ten Hag's guidance at Old Trafford.