‘You have to step up’: Tyrell Malacia discusses competition with Luke Shaw at Man Utd

The Dutch international has featured in all of Manchester United’s games so far.
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Manchester United have been in fine form as of late having won their last four Premier League games.

United began the season with two defeats in as many games until manager Erik ten Hag made several changes to his starting XI.

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The Red Devils signed six players during the summer transfer window, with Ten Hag raiding his native Netherlands for Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia from Ajax and Feyenoord.

Both players have featured in all of United’s opening six league fixtures so far, with the pair starting as the left-sided centre-back and left-back in their last four games.

Malacia has been one of United’s standout defenders so far. Credit: Getty. Malacia has been one of United’s standout defenders so far. Credit: Getty.
Malacia has been one of United’s standout defenders so far. Credit: Getty.

Ten Hag’s team have conceded just twice since Malacia was selected over Luke Shaw at left-back, while Raphael Varane replacing Harry Maguire has also solidified the defence.

Malacia’s arrival at Old Trafford has been an exciting one for the Red Devils’ fanbase and former players, most notably Rio Ferdinand, who have compared the Dutchman to Patrice Evra.

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This comparison can only be seen as a complement given Evra is arguably one the Premier League’s greatest left-backs.

United have a busy schedule come their Europa League group stage opener against Real Sociedad on Thursday with the club playing four games in 10 games.

Shaw is likely to go toe-to-toe with Malacia for a place in Ten Hag’s starting XI over this period and the competition for places is something the latter mentioned player is enjoying.

“Yeah, of course [he enjoys the competition at left-back], because we can keep each other sharp every day so you have to step up your game every training, every game,” Malacia told the Red Devils’ official website. “If you are not, then the coach can make another decision and that’s good for the team.”

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The 23-year-old, who has represented the Netherlands on five occasions, is part of a new-look United backline, one he believes is helping with his development as a player.

“It’s good to play with the best players in the world,” Malacia said. “We have good defenders and we are learning from each other every day, so that’s good.”