Tyrell Malacia, who became Manchester United’s first signing of the summer earlier this month, made his debut for the club earlier on Tuesday in the pre-season friendly against Liverpool.
Malacia was named on the bench for the 90-minute affair but started at left-back for the second half, with Erik ten Hag making 10 changes from the team that started the game.
The 22-year-old is the only new arrival at this point and thus, his debut for the club was highly anticipated and his United career couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.
United comfortably swept aside Liverpool, with goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred, Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri ensuring a winning start for Ten Hag and Malacia.
Speaking after the game, the former Feyenoord star delivered his verdict on his maiden United appearance and the challenges of playing in the Thailand heat.
“I’m very happy,” he said in an interview after the game, as per Manchester United’s official website. “It feels amazing to be here, to wear this shirt and play with these people.
Read more: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turns down opportunity to return to management
“It was difficult because of the weather, it’s very hot, but we made it.”
Malacia was also quizzed on the prospect of playing in the Premier League and what he would add to the side: “Of course. It’s a dream for me to play there [the Premier League] and now I’m here.
“[I hope to add] some good defensive [work], hope to get some assists and get some energy to the team.”
SN’s verdict…
Malacia has joined the club and almost immediately surpassed both Alex Telles and Brandon Williams in the pecking order at left-back.
Luke Shaw remains the first choice in that position, as his inclusion in the starting eleven would suggest. But Malacia will be eager to challenge the England international, with a spot in this winter’s World Cup still at stake.
An impressive pre-season could yet see him start the Premier League season at left-back. Shaw, his fiercest competitor, has struggled with a number of injuries over the last 12 months.
