Tyrell Malacia has been welcomed back into Manchester United’s first-team group, despite previously being frozen out by Ruben Amorim.
In the summer, the defender was one of five Red Devils players to be banished from training as part of Amorim‘s infamous ‘bomb squad’.
5
Fitness issues have kept Malacia sidelined for much of his spell at the clubCredit: GettyWhere has Tyrell Malacia been?
Despite expressing a desire to leave, Malacia has since become the last surviving member of the quintet.
Alongside the Dutchman, the players in question were Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony.
The five stars were all ostracised at United‘s Carrington training complex, and made to train at separate times to the first team.
But while Malacia’s fellow castaways all secured moves away from Old Trafford to the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Betis and Aston Villa, there was little interest in the 26-year-old in the summer.
Simon Jordan calls out Ruben Amorim and rejects Gareth Southgate as a potential replacement
There were proposals from Lille and AS Roma, while a loan move to LaLiga side Elche fell through on transfer deadline day.
Malacia was then surprisingly registered in United’s Premier League squad for the 2025/26 season when it was announced in September.
This prompted Amorim to clarify his situation, who said:Â “He is returning with contact with the ball with the Under-21s, then we will see.”
Second chance
And it now appears that the left-back’s displays in training have earned him a second chance with United’s first team.
As of Tuesday, Malacia, who hasn’t featured for United since the Europa League tie against Young Boys on January 30, is set to return to sessions with the rest of Amorim’s senior squad.
United’s players were given a day off on Monday, having trained the day after their 3-1 defeat at Brentford on Saturday.
5
Amorim has performed a U-turn with Malacia, after previously banishing himself alongside four other starCredit: AFP
5
One member of the ‘bomb squad’, Garnacho, has moved onto pastures new with ChelseaCredit: Getty
5
So too has Rashford, who joined Barcelona on a season-long loan with an option to buyCredit: Getty
According to the Athletic, the club claim Malacia’s reintegration is not in response to their poor start to the season under Amorim, or injuries to other players.
The Netherlands international was the first signing made by former manager Erik ten Hag at United, joining from Feyenoord in a deal worth around £15m in July 2022.
However, injury issues have limited him to just 47 outings for the club – 39 of which came in his debut season before he sustained a serious knee injury.
Malacia returned to the matchday squad for Amorim’s first game in charge against Ipswich in November last year.
He made eight appearances under the Portuguese head coach, before joining PSV Eindhoven on loan in February, where he was part of their Eredivisie title-winning squad.
What is the current situation at Old Trafford?
With a fresh opportunity to impress at Old Trafford, Malacia will hoping to help turn the tide, and relieve some of the pressure on Amorim.
5
Malacia’s last United outing came in a 2-0 victory over Young Boys in the Europa League in JanuaryCredit: Getty
The Red Devils are currently languishing in 14th spot in the Premier League table after their opening six games.
Defeat to Brentford was United’s third top-flight loss of the season, while they have won just twice, drawing the other.
United’s worrying form – which also saw them crash of the Carabao Cup to League Two side Grimsby – has seen Amorim come under fire.
Since his appointment nearly a year ago, the 40-year-old is still yet to record back-to-back league wins, while he has now lost 17 of his 33 league games in charge.