“Sources can reveal…”: Ten Hag recruit who earned Amorim’s praise could be brutally axed in January – report

Ruben Amorim picked up his first Premier League win at Old Trafford as Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-0 on Sunday.

The head coach’s demands for intensity was met by the players as they pressed relentlessly at times and Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee grabbed a brace each as the Red Devils climbed up to ninth in the table.

The Portuguese tactician was once again unafraid to rotate his squad and made six changes with Diogo Dalot starting on the left side after Tyrell Malacia’s error-strewn display in the Europa League last week.

The Dutch full-back was at fault for Bodo/Glimt’s second on the night and a rusty performance was expected considering the major injury lay-off.

Malacia could be on his way

Amorim praised him after the game regardless, but the Portugal international was chosen ahead of him against the Toffees and he completed the full 90 minutes.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss will be careful with Malacia moving forward to avoid further complications regarding his fitness as he clearly needs more time to slowly get back into the groove of things.

Whether he will get that time at Old Trafford remains to be seen with CaughtOffside claiming the former Feyenoord star is attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Lyon.

Amorim does not have the luxury of time and the chance to offload a reserve player and get in reinforcements in January will be music to the coach’s ears.

“CaughtOffside sources can reveal that Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia is attracting some transfer interest from Borussia Dortmund and Lyon.

“After such a lengthy spell out, it’s going to be tricky for Malacia to get back to his best, and so it could be that MUFC need to make the most of any opportunities to sell.

“If big names like Dortmund and Lyon are keeping an eye on the Dutchman’s situation, that could help United cash in on him and sign the replacement they want.”

Dortmund, Lyon in the race

The 25-year-old had become Erik ten Hag’s first signing and enjoyed a decent debut campaign. But injuries meant he has played only once in one-and-a-half season since.

The 20-time English champions had paid €15 million for him back in 2022 and his current market value stands at €18 million as per Transfermarkt with his contract valid until 2026.

Owing to his age and potential and his impressive record at his former club, INEOS should try and earn a small profit on his eventual departure while the club would also get his £75,000 per week wages off the books.

United have been linked with various left-backs recently after Amorim demanded an improvement in that sector and Malacia’s sale could potentially fund a January arrival to please the boss.

Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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