The imminent arrival of Tyrell Malacia at Manchester United has thrown the futures of two players into doubt, according to reports.
Malacia, who is poised to join the club after United hijacked Olympique Lyon’s deal to sign the exciting left-back, could become the club’s first signing of the window.
The 22-year-old’s arrival at United would mean that the club has four senior left-backs on their books, with Luke Shaw, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams all vying for the number one spot.
Now, it has been suggested that Malacia’s arrival could mean that Telles and Williams are shown the door at Old Trafford. That’s according to The Times, who say that the pair could leave when Malacia’s signing is confirmed in ‘the coming days’.
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As per the report, the move to bring Malacia to Old Trafford moved ever close on Wednesday when Lyon matched United’s bid for the player. But ultimately, Malacia had already made his mind up on joining the Premier League club.
It’s claimed that Telles will leave the club if a good offer comes in, whilst Williams is also likely to depart on a permanent deal or another loan arrangement.
Williams spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Norwich but is unlikely to extend that for an additional year after the canaries were relegated to the Championship.
SN’s verdict…
Malacia’s arrival certainly means that Erik ten Hag will need to trim that area of his squad, with right-back Diogo Dalot also capable of playing there.
Shaw remains the first choice but Malacia will provide able competition. Telles enjoyed a better second season as opposed to his first campaign but is still unlikely to pose a realistic challenge to Shaw and Malacia.
The same can be said for Williams, who has done little to prove that he is good enough to permanently stake a claim in the United ranks.
