Tyrell Malacia became Manchester United’s first signing of the summer earlier this week after signing a four-year deal plus the option of an additional year.
The 22-year-old’s arrival is, hopefully, the first of many and his timely signing will be a boost for Erik ten Hag ahead of the start of this year’s summer tour on Friday.
Malacia, a tenacious and energetic full-back who likes to contribute in the final third, was asked to name any former United players he admired in his first interview with the club.
To little surprise, he admitted that United hero Patrice Evra is a player he looked up to and has also set out to do even better than the Frenchman at Old Trafford.
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“Yes, Patrice Evra. I love his style. Everything is fast, energetic,” he is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
“Yeah of course. I want to do even better,” he added after the interviewer commented on Evra’s illustrious eight-year stay at United. “I know it’s going to be difficult, but I set the bar high for myself. It’s what I want.”
SN’s verdict…
United fans will be eager not to place too high expectations on Malacia’s shoulder but it would turn out to be quite the deal if he is able to emulate Evra.
Evra and Denis Irwin are arguably United’s two best left-backs of all time and although Malacia will have to dethrone Luke Shaw before earning a permanent place in the team, his determination is refreshing.
Clearly, United have signed a confident young man and hopefully, he fits into what Ten Hag is trying to build.
