MANCHESTER UNITED’S 25-man Europa League squad has been confirmed with forgotten left-back Tyrell Malacia included despite his 15-month absence.
Erik ten Hag’s roster for the European competition was revealed on Thursday and all of his big stars made it in.
The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were not named among the 25, but are still eligible as they are classed as homegrown players.
And perhaps the only surprise was the inclusion of Dutch full-back Malacia, 25.
The former Feyenoord man arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 for £13million.
He played 39 games in his first campaign in England but has not featured since May 2023.
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He spent the entirety of last season sidelined following knee surgery.
But Ten Hag made a prediction ahead of the new season that Malacia could be back within two months.
Speaking in early August, he said: “He is now in a good place, but he is not here [in pre-season] because I only took players who could play games or be available for team training.
“He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games.
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Man Utd’s Europa League squad
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee
Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Harry Amass
Midfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte
Forwards: Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Antony
“I think it would be possible in two months [for him to return].”
Man Utd have been plagued by injuries at left-back as Luke Shaw has also suffered numerous fitness issues.
They were linked with a move for Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell in the summer transfer window, but ultimately a deal was not struck.
Diogo Dalot, an orthodox right-back, has started Man Utd’s opening three Premier League games on the left side of Ten Hag’s defence.
The Red Devils’ Europa League campaign gets underway at home to Twente on September 25.
Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool
MANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.
Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.
But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?
Andre Onana – 5
Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error.
Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.
Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.
Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Casemiro – 2
A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.
He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4
Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.
Marcus Rashford – 3
Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.
Subs
Toby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5
A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.
Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5
Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.
Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5
Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.
Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/A
Not on long enough to make an impact.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
