Tyrell Malacia made his first appearance for Manchester United in 17 months. The Dutch full-back has not played for United since the final game of the 2022-23 Premier League season - a 2-1 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.
A month later, Malacia made his debut for the Netherlands in a Nations League match. But since then, the defender has endured a nightmare time with injuries.
Malacia underwent surgery for a knee injury. However, complications after the surgery forced him to undergo a second surgery. This kept Malacia off the pitch for a long time.
The 25-year-old returned to training in September and was given a warm welcome by his team-mates, with interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy revealing last week that the Dutchman was finally close to a return.
"Tyrell Malacia is the furthest along the road to recovery at the moment. He has been involved in the team's training for a few weeks now and has no restrictions. So he should be planning on playing minutes, maybe in the U21s. We have to wait and see," said Van Nistelrooy.
Van Nistelrooy's prediction has now been proven correct, with Malacia featuring for Man United's Under-21s in the Football League Trophy. The 25-year-old has been part of the Red Devils' youth squad as they battle to qualify from Group F.
Malacia played the entire first half of United's 4-1 defeat before being substituted. Malacia's return will be a boost for new manager Ruben Amorim, who has seen Lisandro Martinez withdraw from the Argentina squad through injury.
Amorim has arrived at Man United's headquarters to start work after Van Nistelrooy left. The Old Trafford club confirmed the Dutch strategist's departure in a statement.
"Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Van Nistelrooy returned in the summer and has been in charge of the team for the past four games as interim head coach.
Van Nistelrooy is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way he approached his role during his time at the club. He will always be warmly welcomed at Old Trafford" - Man United's statement said.
