Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has revealed how “happy” he is to have joined PSV Eindhoven.
The 25-year-old fullback completed the loan move in the final hours of the winter window having fallen down the pecking order under Red Devil boss Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese coach admitted Malacia was “struggling” in a recent interview with reports suggesting Amorim did not believe the Dutch international was capable of playing as a wing-back in his system.
The arrival of Patrick Dorgu – the Danish wing-back signed from Serie A side Lecce in a deal worth a potential £30 million – further cemented Malacia’s reduced role at Old Trafford.
The club were open to the 25-year-old leaving on loan this month in the search of more first-team opportunities. At one stage, a move to Benfica had appeared on the verge of completion only for negotiations to break down after the Portuguese club offered unacceptable terms.
Eredivisie leaders PSV, who top the table by two points, then entered the race for Malacia, offering the fullback a return to his homeland and the prospect of Champions League football.
Speaking after the loan to the Dutch side was completed, Malacia revealed his excitement at the move. “I’m happy to be here. Finally playing good football again,” the defender states. “I am coming off a long injury, but by now I am fit and know that my time will come again.”
“In every tough period there are also positive elements and in this case that is that I have become much stronger physically and mentally.
“I have more patience, am more mature, know my body better and things like that. I’m ready to pop and hopefully win several prizes with PSV.”
The director of football of the Eindhoven side was similarly positive in his assessment of the move.
“We are very happy to welcome with Tyrell a player who can be of immediate value for PSV. Tyrell has a lot of experience at the highest level and is also a player with a lot of potential. We look forward to seeing him in action,” Earnest Stewart revealed.
PSV have agreed to cover Malacia’s wages in full with a €10 million buy-option should they wish to make the move permanent come the summer.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
