Manchester United star is about to get a rare chance to fight for his future

In an ideal world, Ruben Amorim might not have to make any changes from the Manchester United side that held on to defeat Arsenal when they return to action tomorrow night.

United produced a performance for the ages to hang on for over an hour with 10 men, with a well-drilled and strictly disciplined defensive display. They will likely have it a bit easier against Southampton tomorrow night. Amorim has a decision to make over Altay Bayindir in goal and Alejandro Garnacho in attack, though it seems certain Tyrell Malacia will be given a rare start at wing-back in the absence of the suspended Diogo Dalot.

Malacia is the obvious candidate to come into the side on the left, though it might not be as straightforward as it seems. It took half an hour after Dalot had been sent off at the Emirates for him to enter the field, as Amorim initially turned to Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer and Joshua Zirkzee from the bench instead.

The 25-year-old is one player who will be allowed to leave the club this year and time is already running out for him in a United shirt after teenager Diego Leon had his medical earlier in the week. United still hope to sign another wing-back in the summer as well, which could demote Malacia to third or even fourth choice in his favoured position.

Malacia deserves huge credit for even making it back onto the pitch after his 517-day absence following a serious knee injury. He admitted that the experience left him feeling like 's**t' as he battled to return from two operations. He has impressed in two appearances against Arsenal, but there have been a few concerning performances as well.

Having been Erik ten Hag's first signing at the club, the Dutchman was no longer in charge by the time he came back late last year. That managerial change was never likely to work in his favour. Amorim needs players he can depend on to play two matches a week, Dalot has played the most minutes of any United player so far this season and is the only player to have taken part in all 31 matches this campaign.

That impressive record will come to an end against Southampton tomorrow night and could provide Malacia with a rare opportunity to prove he still has something to offer the new head coach. A good performance could earn more trust from Amorim, but if he doesn't start in the absence of Dalot, that would tell a story in itself.

Malacia has already overcome so many hurdles in his senior career. He now faces another one.