He is finally back to training and I think its finally time to tell the fans the truth on what happened to him. Its not only the injury. Its has never happened to any football players before. That’s the reason we refused tonl tell the fans when it happened”-BREAKING NEWS as Erik ten Hag reveals what actually happened to Tyrell Malacia that kept him out of football and sets date for his Man Utd return after more than 400 days out

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Tyrell Malacia’s recovery and expected return to first-team action following a prolonged injury absence. Malacia, who joined United from Feyenoord in 2022 for approximately £15 million, has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery last summer. His last appearance for the team was in a 2-1 victory over Fulham on May 28, 2023.

Initially, ten Hag anticipated Malacia’s return by January, but complications in his recovery process resulted in him missing the entire 2023/24 season. Despite these setbacks, there is now optimism regarding his comeback. Malacia is currently progressing through an individualized fitness program under the close supervision of Manchester United’s medical team at Carrington.

Ten Hag has expressed confidence that Malacia could rejoin the squad by October, which would be timely given the fitness concerns surrounding fellow left-back Luke Shaw over the past year. “He is now in a good place, but he is not here because I only took players who could play games or be available for team training,” ten Hag stated during United’s pre-season tour in the US. “He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can return to team training and then team performance in games. I think it would be possible in two months.”

While the club remains optimistic about Malacia’s return, they have not ruled out the possibility of signing another left-back this summer to ensure adequate depth in that position.

In the meantime, ten Hag has been encouraged by the pre-season performances of young defender Harry Amass. The 17-year-old impressed during a recent 3-2 win over Real Betis, contributing to a match that featured goals from Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro. Amass’s solid display has led to calls for him to receive more first-team opportunities.

Luke Shaw, when asked about young players to watch, highlighted Amass. “He’s a young left-back from Man United,” Shaw told GOAL. “Harry Amass.” Shaw’s endorsement underscores the potential impact Amass could have in the first team.

Overall, the anticipation of Malacia’s return and the emergence of Amass provide optimism for Manchester United’s defensive options. Ten Hag will need to carefully manage his squad to maintain a strong defensive foundation for the upcoming season.