Former Red Robin van Persie had lauded Tyrell Malacia, who joined the club last summer from Feyenoord.
The Dutch club is also where Van Persie started and ended his footballing career, and he currently holds an assistant manager role with the side.
Malacia became Erik ten Hag’s first signing in July 2022 and has since played a crucial role in the resurgence happening at Old Trafford.
He has made 24 starts and six substitute appearances, providing strong competition to Luke Shaw in the left-back role.
Van Persie, who led the Reds to their 20th league title during his stay at the club, has heaped praise on the 23-year-old.
The striker played with Malacia during his final season before retirement throughout the 2018/2019 campaign, and they recently met again when Van Persie visited Carrington to greet the players, watch a training session and speak with Ten Hag.
Van Persie on Malacia
He said via the club website: “I do believe, per window, [you have] to get a couple of the right players, and Tyrell Malacia is one of them. He wasn’t really well known before he came.
“I played with him at Feyenoord, so I knew how good he was, and still is, and he’s proving that every game.
“When it clicks and when it’s clear what to do, because clearly [there are] both full-backs – Diogo Dalot on the right side, you have Luke Shaw sometimes on the left, or Tyrell – you can see that they know exactly what to do in ball possession, as well when the opponent has the ball. He’s doing that so well and I’m so proud of him.
“He’s from my city, he’s from my club. He’s giving a lot of youngsters hope. He is now playing on the highest level and competing against the best. He’s not only giving youngsters here hope, he’s giving youngsters in Holland hope, like okay, if you play well, there is a possibility that you can go really far, so that you end up playing for a team like Manchester United, and I’m just proud of him.
“I hope he keeps developing and improving and stays hungry to keep getting better every day.”
