Ruben Amorim reportedly "canvassed opinion" on Tyrell Malacia's reintegration from several Manchester United first-team players after the Dutch full-back became the only player from the club's 'bomb squad' who failed to secure a move away from Old Trafford during the summer transfer window. Other outcasts like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were shipped off as Amorim overhauled the squad.
Lone 'bomb squad' survivor
The last time Malacia played for United was back in January 2025, when he featured in Amorim's starting lineup in a Europa League clash against FCSB, but the defender played only the first half. In February, the Dutchman was shipped off on loan to PSV, where he appeared in eight Eredivisie matches. Malacia, along with other loanees like Sancho, Rashford and Antony returned to Old Trafford in the summer, but those players, along with Garnacho, were then informed that they were no longer needed in the team. While the other four players successfully secured moves away from the Premier League club before the transfer window closed, Malacia failed to do so, and his future seemed uncertain.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim took player poll on Malacia
After deadline day, Amorim "canvassed opinion" on Malacia's reintegration and several players spoke in the Dutch defender's favour, according to . The report adds that the Portuguese coach heeded the feedback and slowly allowed the 26-year-old to return to the squad. He was an unused substitute when United beat Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford on October 25.
Fitness remains a concern for Malacia
Malacia’s journey in England has been far from smooth. The Dutchman was Erik ten Hag’s first signing at Old Trafford in 2022, as he arrived from Feyenoord for a £13 million ($16m) fee with €2m in add-ons. His debut season at Red Devils was promising as he made 39 appearances across all competitions. However, disaster soon struck as a brutal knee meniscus injury halted his progress in the Premier League and kept him sidelined for a staggering 550 days. He only re-emerged last season, but was nowhere close to the player he used to be and soon fell out of favour under Amorim.
AFPHow are other 'bomb squad' members faring?
Antony and Rashford have taken La Liga by storm as they have cemented their places in the starting lineups of Real Betis and Barcelona, respectively, although the latter is only on loan at Camp Nou. Garnacho, meanwhile, has registered four goal contributions in his first 10 games for Chelsea. Sancho is the only former United bomb squad member still struggling in new surroundings, with the winger finding regular minutes hard to come by on loan at Aston Villa.