Manchester United’s summer overhaul under Rúben Amorim has brought in new ideas, fresh players, and a renewed sense of direction. But as with any rebuild, it has also left casualties in the squad. One name stands out among those pushed to the margins: Tyrell Malacia. At 26 years old, the Dutch left-back is now the only remaining member of the so-called “Bomb Squad,” a group of players earmarked for departure. His future at Old Trafford remains unresolved, and with several transfer windows across Europe still open, it is only a matter of time before a decision is made.
The First Signing of a New Era
Malacia was Erik ten Hag’s first signing in the summer of 2022. He arrived from Feyenoord with a reputation for energy, defensive bite, and the tenacity that had made him a key player in the Eredivisie. His move to Manchester United was seen as a smart, low-cost addition to provide competition for Luke Shaw.
In his debut season, Malacia featured in 39 matches across all competitions. He offered energy, pressing, and aggression, often slotting in when Shaw was unavailable. Early on, fans admired his intensity. He played without fear, snapped into tackles, and showed flashes of the dynamism that suggested he could thrive in the Premier League.
Yet, as the months went by, the cracks began to appear. While his determination was undeniable, Malacia often struggled with positional awareness, especially against higher-quality opposition. Premier League attackers found gaps behind him, and in possession, his limitations became clear. Unlike Shaw, who contributes both defensively and offensively, Malacia rarely offered consistent end product in the final third. His crosses lacked precision, and he sometimes looked uncomfortable in build-up phases.
Injuries and Lost Momentum
The momentum from his debut season did not last. Injuries crept in, disrupting his rhythm and keeping him out of the team for long stretches. Once a player loses rhythm at Manchester United, regaining it is an uphill battle. By the end of last season, Malacia was more of a peripheral figure than a genuine competitor for Shaw.
Rúben Amorim’s arrival as head coach offered the possibility of a fresh start, but instead Malacia was quickly identified as a player on the fringes. He was placed in the “Bomb Squad” — a group of footballers United were actively looking to move on.
The Loan That Collapsed
The summer transfer window seemed to provide an escape route. Malacia came close to joining Spanish side Elche on loan, with the move appearing to be agreed in principle. But on deadline day, the deal collapsed. The reasons were not fully disclosed, but the breakdown left Malacia in limbo: still at Old Trafford, but with no guarantee of meaningful minutes.
Now, he finds himself in an awkward position. He is back in training with the squad but has no clear role. He is too experienced to be written off entirely, yet not trusted enough to be part of Amorim’s first-team plans.
Amorim’s Open Door
To Amorim’s credit, he has been pragmatic about the situation. Earlier in the summer, he stated that any player willing to work hard could be reintegrated, even if they had been considered surplus to requirements. This leaves the door slightly open for Malacia to fight for his place.
That said, reintegration is not a simple task. United’s tactical system under Amorim demands full-backs who can contribute in possession, invert into midfield, and support attacks. Malacia’s profile does not naturally fit this model. While he remains strong in defensive duels and recovery runs, he struggles with technical demands in tight spaces.
Why Malacia Fell Behind
Malacia’s decline at United can be traced to several key factors:
- Technical Limitations – In a team that requires composure on the ball, his lack of precision in passing and crossing has been exposed.
- Injury Problems – Fitness issues have prevented him from building consistency.
- Competition – Luke Shaw remains one of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit. Even Diogo Dalot has been used on the left, showing the lack of trust in Malacia.
- Confidence – Errors and limited game time have affected his confidence, making his performances less assured.
Should United Keep Him?
There are valid arguments for keeping Malacia in the squad. Injuries are a constant risk, and depth is vital in a season where United will compete on multiple fronts. At 26, he still has room to grow, and his defensive aggression could be useful in certain fixtures.
However, there is also a strong case for moving him on. If United want to fully commit to Amorim’s tactical system, they need full-backs who are comfortable in possession and able to contribute offensively. Malacia has not shown enough evidence that he can evolve into that type of player. Selling him could free up wages and allow United to pursue someone better suited to the project.
What Happens Next?
Several leagues — including Turkey and Saudi Arabia — still have open transfer windows. That means Malacia could yet secure a move away in the coming weeks. If no deal materialises, January will be the next opportunity.
If he stays, his role will likely be limited to rotation and domestic cup competitions. That could provide him with the chance to prove himself, but it will require consistency and a willingness to adapt to Amorim’s style.
Final Thoughts
Tyrell Malacia’s Manchester United journey has been a story of unfulfilled potential. From being Ten Hag’s first signing to now being the final member of the “Bomb Squad,” his decline has been rapid. Yet, his career does not have to end in disappointment. With determination and the right opportunities, he could still revive his fortunes — whether at United or elsewhere.
For now, Malacia’s fate lies in Amorim’s hands. Reintegration is possible, but far from guaranteed. The more likely outcome may be a move away, one that gives him the chance to rebuild his career in a setting better suited to his strengths.
