Manchester United issue 'encouraging' injury boost as Erik ten Hag's first signing finally returns
There is some positive injury news for Man Utd ahead of their first pre-season fixture
Manchester United have issued an 'encouraging' update on Tyrell Malacia after he returned to the grass for an individual training session last week.
The 24-year-old made 39 appearances during his debut season at Old Trafford but did not feature once across the entirety of the last campaign after he underwent knee surgery last summer.
Malacia's last match was the 2-1 win over Fulham in May 2023 and he was sorely missed last season amid United's defensive injury crisis. United signed Sergio Reguilon on a season-long loan in order to cover for the Dutchman but allowed him to return to Tottenham midway through his spell as they thought their issues were easing.
However, United's woes worsened when Malacia's rehabilitation did not go as planned and Luke Shaw suffered another injury of his own in February.
United will consider adding another left-back to their squad this summer, but Malacia will be looking to prove that they don't need another one after he progressed his fitness programme.
A club statement confirmed the defender had returned to Carrington last week and had been pictured training individually on the grass under the guidance of medical staff. It went on to add 'he is doing everything he can to regain full fitness." Malacia became the first signing of Erik ten Hag's tenure when he signed for an initial €15 million from Feyenoord back in the summer of 2022. He signed a four-year contract, with the option of a further year.