Tyrell Malacia believes he and Marcus Rashford ‘give each other energy’ down the left flank, as the Dutchman discussed his friendship with the striker and fellow left-back Luke Shaw..
Malacia joined United from Feyenoord in a £14.7 million deal last summer, becoming the club’s first signing during Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager. The 23-year-old has mostly served as a backup to the more experienced Shaw, but he has made 24 starts out of 30 total appearances.
When called upon – at times with Shaw moved to center-back – the youngster has impressed and has quickly developed a strong relationship with Rashford down the left, his energy on the overlap opening up spaces for the in-form forward to work his magic.
We give each other energy, we talk a lot, and we sit next to each other in the dressing room,” Malacia said of Rashford. “We have a good connection, which is important and visible on the pitch.”
“It’s the same as with Marcus – we have a good connection and we talk a lot,” the Dutchman said of his relationship with Shaw. Luke has been here for a while and is familiar with how things work on the field and at the club. If I have any questions, I can always ask him, and he will answer them.”
That left side has been crucial to United’s success this season, with their form since returning from the World Cup earning Ten Hag’s side the Carabao Cup and a place in the knockout stages of two other major competitions. The Reds face Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals before facing Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley..
Malacia has had a strong debut season in England, but the defender is eager to build on early successes and remains ambitious with his goals for the remainder of the season.
“We have a good team with good qualities,” he added, “but we have to stay focused and keep improving.” “Anything is feasible.”
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