Why Tyrell Malacia missed Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League

The Manchester United defender was a surprise absentee for the Premier League game against Nottingham Forest.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tyrell Malacia missed Manchester United’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday with a knee injury.

The left-back played in the Red Devils’ Europa League draw with Sevilla on Thursday night and was culpable for the Spanish side’s first goal in their late comeback. But the 23-year-old has picked up a knock since then that has ruled him out for the trip to the City Ground.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking to MUTV ahead of the game, Erik ten Hag said: “He has a sore knee and already he was struggling in the week. Today it was too bad to start.”

The defender’s absence comes amid an injury crisis for United at the back. The club confirmed on Friday night that Lisandro Martinez will not play again this season due to the metatarsal injury he sustained on Thursday, while Raphael Varane is out for a few weeks with a knock.

Luke Shaw is another problem for Ten Hag at present, with the England international missing the Forest match with an injury, as did Scott McTominay. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are not expected to be back for a few weeks, while Tom Heaton and Donny van de Beek complete United’s extensive injury list.

As a result of the defensive issues, Diogo Dalot was named at left-back on Sunday with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the opposite flank. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof renewed their partnership at the heart of defence, while Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Marcel Sabitzer were named in midfield.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the attacking areas, Ten Hag selected Anthony Martial from the off for the second game in a row, with Antony and Jadon Sancho in the wide areas.

Asked about the returning Maguire and Lindelof before the game, Ten Hag said: “They played often together, they are experienced and they know what the demands are. We are really confident and believe they will give a strong performance.”

United team: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Dalot; Casemiro, Fernandes; Antony, Sabitzer, Sancho; Martial.