Manchester United have released training footage of Tyrell Malacia completing light individual training on the grass at Carrington.
Malacia last played a competitive fixture for the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on June 14 but went under the knife a month later shortly after pre-season began. The defender sustained a knee injury at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and surgery was eventually required, despite United initially looking to manage it with pain injections.
After that initial operation, Malacia required another round of surgery and his prolonged absence has been a source of frustration for Erik ten Hag, but he’s now closing in on a return to full fitness and is currently undergoing an individual programme to complete his rehabilitation.
United released fresh footage of Malacia training individually under the guidance of a member of medical staff and he is wearing a device around his left knee. For the first time since his injury, Malacia was seen with the ball at his feet during the session, which suggests he could be available for selection in August.
It’s understood the club are carefully handling Malacia’s return to prevent any further setbacks, as the player has already missed more than a year during his time on the sidelines. United went the majority of the season without their senior left-backs, Luke Shaw and Malacia, due to injury and Sergio Reguilon was signed on loan as a stopgap signing.
Ten Hag went on record to express his frustration at injuries in that area and many fans believe United should sign a new left-back in the summer transfer window. Malacia was on crutches after his initial injury and spent some time in the Netherlands to recover, and a source indicated he was expected to return before 2024.
However, Malacia’s setback delayed his return and Shaw sustaining different muscle injuries throughout the season compounded the problem at left-back. Malacia has made a total of 39 appearances for United.
