Van Nistelrooy: Malacia almost ready to return

Van Nistelrooy: Malacia almost ready to return

Ruud van Nistelrooy says Tyrell Malacia is closing in on his first competitive minutes in almost 18 months.

The Dutch full-back has not played for United since the final match of the 2022/23 Premier League season – a 2-1 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford.

Malacia was welcomed back to team training in September of this year, after that long spell on the sidelines, and has been stepping up his rehabilitation programme since that point.

Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixture against PAOK of Greece, interim head coach van Nistelrooy told gathered media at Carrington that the defender was not far away from featuring in a match – though the club legend hinted that Tyrell’s comeback may take place in an Under-21s game, rather than the first-team equivalent.

“[All the injured players are] different cases, all of them,” said the boss.

“Tyrell is the furthest [along the road to recovery] in the moment – he’s [been] part of team training for a couple of weeks now, full in team training, no restrictions.

“So it’s good for him to plan game minutes, maybe in the Under-21s. We have to see.”

Ruud also commented on Harry Maguire and the Reds’ other absent left-back, Luke Shaw, who has not taken to a football pitch since the Euro 2024 final in the summer, when he was part of an England team beaten by Spain in Berlin.

“Harry is still inside, working on his rehab, and Luke also does pitch work like he did today, and he’s progressing there to also do partial team training, hopefully soon.”

United were handed three boosts earlier on Wednesday, when Leny Yoro took part in an open team training session. The Frenchman is yet to play competitively for the Reds since joining from Lille in July, after suffering an injury during a pre-season match against Arsenal.

Christian Eriksen was also present, after missing our most recent games against Leicester City and Chelsea, while Antony was seen for the first time since suffering an injury during the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce.

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