How Tyrell Malacia’s absence has been has been key to Manchester United’s struggles

Tyrell Malacia’s been missing in action for the whole season. There’s been very little in the way of sightings, social media activity and official communications from the club. Malacia’s disappearance has been the subject of many a conspiracy theory.

According to the Athletic, Erik ten Hag believes the Dutch left-back’s absence is one of the main contributing factors behind Manchester United’s struggles on the pitch. In a time where Ten Hag is facing intense scrutiny, it’s natural that the inference of a backup fullback being absent has led to some fans to call it an excuse. However, is there some truth to the notion that Malacia being sidelined has derailed United’s season?

Where is Malacia?

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Malacia underwent surgery for a knee injury he sustained on the final day of the 22/23 season. In his last appearance for United, he could be seen clutching his knee after a challenge but the left-back continued and played the remainder of the game.

United’s £12m signing would miss the 2023 pre-season as he would undergo corrective surgery to his meniscus. The club confirmed the surgery would rule him out until the new year but following a set-back, Malacia is set to miss the remainder of United’s season.

Luke Shaw’s injury problems

When United signed Malacia in the summer of 2022, he was set to be an understudy to Luke Shaw. There’s an existing belief amongst the fanbase that Shaw needs a backup to spark performances. A similar effect transpired when Alex Telles signed for United and the England international went on to be named United’s player of the season.

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Shaw has found himself sidelined for the majority of the season and that’s been a problem for United. The 28-year-old has been integral to Ten Hag’s system since the Dutch manager took charge. Shaw’s attributes and athleticism allow him to be one of Ten Hag’s ‘inverted’ full-backs, stepping into midfield, and bolstering the centre of the pitch. In a season where there has been staunch criticism at the manager’s door because of the lack of presence in midfield, it could be argued that a large part of that could be because current options in wide defence are incapable of fulfilling that role.

Marcus Rashford has also been impacted by Shaw’s absence. The forward has commonly played his best football when he has the comfort of Shaw’s presence behind him. The relationship between the two made United’s left-hand side a consistent threat last season. Reasons for Rahsford’s diminishing threat during games can be attributed to Shaw’s lack of minutes.

No obvious backup – style of play

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Since it was confirmed Shaw wouldn’t return until the end of the season, Ten Hag has played; Aaron Wan Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Diogo Dalot at left-back. None of whom are natural left-backs. United chose not to retain Sergio Reguilon, which further defies belief.

The lack of options has meant that in the build-up and Ten Hag’s attacking plan has been altered. If you couple up the lack of consistency at left-back with the absences of the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Varane across the season you can only sympathise with Ten Hag.

So have United missed Malacia? The answer is yes.