A Manchester United player who has been out of action for 17 months is allegedly close to a return.   

Tyrell Malacia, a defender, hasn’t played a minute for the Netherlands since a Nations League game against Croatia in June of last year.

Ten Hag’s first signing as United manager was the Netherlands left-back, who joined for £14.7 million from Feyenoord two years ago. He made 39 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford. 

However, he last played for United in May 2023, missing the entire season due to double knee surgery.

He joined Manchester United more than two years ago with the hopes of adding depth to the left back position, as Luke Shaw’s fitness levels remained a problem.

Tyrell Malacia, a Manchester United defender, is approaching a return after 17 months off.

Erik ten Hag will welcome back the guy who was the club’s first signing.

Things have not turned out as Malacia had intended, but things are improving, according to Voetbal International.

They report that the left-back ‘is now almost fit again and may be in action before the end of the month.’

According to the article, United wants to be cautious about his comeback, but his progress suggests he might be back on the pitch by the end of the month.

Since joining the club, he has only played 39 games, all of which came in the 2022-23 season.

He appeared in 22 Premier League games as United finished third in the rankings, as well as nine Europa League, four FA Cup, and four Carabao Cup matches.

In September, United manager Erik ten Hag said of his homecoming: ‘Of course, we want to inspire him to return, but it’s not easy when you’ve been away so long.

Dutchman Malacia has been out of play for 17 months after having knee surgery.

‘It’s taken him over a season to recover from an injury, but he’s working extremely hard and is making excellent progress right now.

‘He is making significant progress, so we believe we can include him in squad training on short notice, and he has a natural talent. I expect him to return to gaming soon.