United star who has failed to impress Carrick offered surprise lifeline by high-flying PL side – report

Manchester United failed to make it five wins out of five on Tuesday, as they escaped the London Stadium with a point from their encounter against West Ham United. United struggled for rhythm, with the players looking ill-equipped to deal with the pressures of playing twice a week. The attackers, including summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, disappointed, and it needed a last-gasp equaliser from Benjamin Sesko to spare the caretaker head coach’s blushes. A huge mistake from Luke Shaw allowed the Hammers to take the lead, and how the Englishman has survived so long at the club is genuinely a mystery. Luke Shaw at left-back simply cannot be trusted He only tends to perform when his contract is about to expire, or when the World Cup or European Championship is around the corner. Currently, the Englishman is starting due to a lack of alternatives following Patrick Dorgu’s injury. Both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are far more adept on the right. The only other senior left-back available to Carrick is Tyrell Malacia. The Dutchman was close to leaving in January for Besiktas, only for Jason Wilcox to pull the plug. Having suffered multiple knee injuries, the 26-year-old is in no position to start games for the Red Devils and he looks to be on his way out of the club once his contract ends in the summer. Malacia’s contract ends in the summer There was reported interest from several European sides, but Sports Boom have now claimed that Sunderland are in pole position to land the former Feyenoord ace. They are ready to offer a regular starting berth to the Netherlands international in order to fend off competition from Leeds United. “Sunderland are ready to launch a summer raid for Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia, and the Black Cats believe they can snap him up for nothing, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. “The Premier League returnees have placed the Dutch full-back high on their transfer shortlist after a fine start to life back in the top-flight. Sunderland offer him perfect opportunity “And with Malacia’s Old Trafford contract ticking down toward expiry, Sunderland chiefs are convinced the 26-year-old, once rated among Europe’s most exciting young defenders, represents one of the bargain opportunities of the next transfer window when it re-opens on 16th June. “Insiders say Sunderland are “working hard behind the scenes” and are prepared to offer Malacia a key first-team role, something he has struggled to secure at Manchester United following a nightmare run of injuries. “Our sources have learnt Leeds United and several European clubs are also monitoring the situation closely. But Sunderland believe the promise of regular Premier League football and the chance to rebuild his career as a guaranteed starter could give them the edge in the race for his signature.” United will not mind as they have the likes of Harry Amass and Diego Leon waiting in the wings to take over once Tyrell Malacia departs. 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25