Invincible European powerhouse plots shock raid for Ten Hag favourite, Carrick doesn’t want him – report

A host of clubs across Europe are interested in Tyrell Malacia – but well-placed sources have revealed where the forgotten Manchester United defender will be heading, according to a new report. Bomb Squad Malacia had become something of an afterthought at Old Trafford this season after being designated as part of Ruben Amorim’s infamous ‘bomb squad’ over the summer. The Dutchman was named alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in a group of undesirables, made to train separately from the senior squad while the club actively pushed for their exit. However, as the transfer window slammed shut on September 1, Malacia was the only representative who remained – the best outcome for Amorim, given the left-back was the least incendiary member of his explosive squad. The Portuguese coach had consistently stated he would reintegrate any players who did not leave. True to his word, Malacia was slowly brought back into the first team after getting back up to fitness with the under-21 side. The 26-year-old even made a cameo off the bench against Newcastle on Boxing Day, his first appearance for the Red Devils in 13 months after spending the second half of last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven and enduring horrendous knee injuries. The club were expected to push for Malacia’s exit this month, with his contract set to expire in June. His extended absences and poor form, for both PSV and United, were mitigating factors which were believed to made a move difficult. However, the market has been surprisingly active for the defender, with Sports Boom revealing AS Roma, Besiktas and FC Porto are all interested in a deal, while PSV also hope to strike a new deal. A Return to the Homeland Out of the growing list of Malacia’s suitors, Roma are the most illustrious, with the Italian heavyweight poised in third place in Serie A. But Porto and PSV are in even better positions, as the Portuguese giant are yet to lose a league match this season while the Boeren are 14 points clear at the top of the Eredivisie. Besiktas, by comparison, are fifth in the Super Lig, having sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager at the start of the season. However, sources in Holland state Malacia is “heading back to the Eredivisie”, indicating a return to PSV is his preferred choice over new adventures elsewhere in Europe. He previously played for Feyenoord before completing a £14 million switch to Old Trafford in 2022. Sports Boom contends United are unlikely to receive anything but a pittance should a transfer materialise, given their full-back’s “value has dropped to a fraction of that fee” with only six months on his deal remaining. Still, even getting Malacia’s salary off the wage bill for the second half of the season would be a win, as he is not expected to feature at all under Michael Carrick, even with the unfortunate hamstring injury to Patrick Dorgu. Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.