Ruben Amorim makes dramatic U-turn as forgotten Man Utd player returns after transfer collapse

Ruben Amorim exiled five players from the Manchester United first-team squad in the summer, but the last man standing has been welcomed back into the fold after failing to leave

Tyrell Malacia has been reintegrated into the first-team squad by Ruben Amorim following a dramatic change of heart by the Manchester United manager. Malacia was a part of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ over the summer and was forced to train away from the group in an effort to push him out of the door.

However, while the other members of the exiled group – Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho – all found new clubs, Malacia ended up staying. Proposed moves to Lille, Roma and Elche all fell through, while Malacia rejected the chance to leave for Saudi Arabia.

His contract with United is due to expire at the end of June, leaving the 26-year-old full-back in limbo until the end of the season. After failing to secure an exit before the September 1 deadline, Malacia was sent to train with the under-21s, while he has also been uploading pictures on social media of him training solo.

Malacia’s hard work and professionalism has reportedly not gone unnoticed behind the scenes at United. Amorim had taken a firm stance on unwanted players, but has changed his mind, with Dutch outlet Voetbal International reporting that Malacia has re-joined first-team training.

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The Portuguese boss will reportedly give the Dutchman a chance to fight his way back into the team. Malacia is a left-sided defender and finds himself behind Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu in the pecking order.

He spent the second half of last season on loan with PSV Eindhoven, where he made 12 appearances across all competitions. But Malacia has not played for United since January 30, when he featured in the 2-0 win over Romanian side FCSB in the Europa League.

Malacia is registered to play in the Premier League, so could return to the fold if he continues to impress Amorim. The fact the team are struggling could play into his hands. United are currently 14th in the Premier League, having won just two of their six matches.

However, having failed to qualify for any European competition after finishing 15th last season and tasting defeat in the Europa League final, and being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby, there are fewer fixtures for Malacia to target.

Malacia joined United from Feyenoord for £13million in the summer of 2022. The transfer was driven by his compatriot Erik ten Hag, but things have not worked out in Manchester, largely due to injury.

The defender needed two rounds of surgery on a knee injury which left him on the sidelines for 17 months. He has made just 47 appearances in over three years with the club and is certain to leave in 2026, be it in January or when his contract expires.

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