Manchester United parted ways with Tyrell Malacia this summer, opting not to offer him a new contract. The Red Devils, however, failed to sign a replacement for the Dutchman before the end of the transfer window.
As of now, the Premier League giants have Luke Shaw as their first choice left-back, although he has missed the last three games due to an issue. Patrick Dorgu has deputised in the Englishman’s absence, starting against Sabah in the Champions League and in last weekend’s Manchester derby defeat.
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick deployed Noussair Mazraoui in the position in the 3-2 defeat against Brighton in the EFL Cup. However, neither player is a natural in the position.
Harry Amass has also briefly operated at left-back this season, but he lacks top-flight experience. While United’s decision not to sign a new left-back continues to be heavily scrutinised, they were perhaps justified in not extending Malacia’s stay.
Malacia’s struggles at United
Malacia arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 from Feyenoord as a promising young full-back and enjoyed a decent debut campaign, appearing 39 times in all competitions. However, he picked up a serious knee injury over the summer, which required two separate surgeries.
The Dutchman finally returned to full fitness in November 2024 and was subsequently sent out on loan to PSV in January. The Red Devils were keen to offload him in the summer of 2025 but failed to find him a suitor.
The 27 year old ended up staying and registered just three appearances for the senior side last season before he was allowed to leave as a free agent.
Tyrell Malacia: Stats by Club
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Second yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feyenoord | 137 | 4 | 10 | 27 | 1 | 1 | 11,659' |
| Man Utd | 50 | - | - | 11 | - | - | 3,017' |
| Feyenoord U19 | 36 | 2 | - | 1 | - | 1 | 3,069' |
| Feyenoord U21 | 23 | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | 1,608' |
| PSV | 12 | - | - | 2 | - | - | 696' |
| Feyenoord U17 | 5 | - | 1 | - | - | - | 400' |
| Feyenoord YL | 5 | - | - | 1 | - | - | 450' |
| Man Utd U21 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 180' |
| Total | 271 | 8 | 12 | 42 | 1 | 2 | 21,079' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Malacia is yet to join his next club, but a recent update now suggests that he could be plying his trade in MLS.
Malacia on trial with Cincinnati
According to The Sun, Malacia is training with MLS side FC Cincinnati as he looks to get his career back on track. The report states: “MANCHESTER UNITED forgotten man Tyrell Malacia has been spotted training with MLS side FC Cincinnati as he looks to resurrect his career.”
“The left-back is currently training with FC Cincinnati’s first team as the MLS outfit weigh up whether to offer him a permanent deal. Malacia is understood to be on trial, giving both the player and club the opportunity to decide whether a move would be the right fit.”
When contacted by The Sun, the MLS club confirmed that they have a good relationship with the player’s agent and are assessing the situation. FC Cincinnati said: “FC Cincinnati has a good relationship with Malacia’s agent, training with the team is an opportunity for both parties to see if they are a good fit.”
Final Thoughts
Malacia could have solved United’s left-back conundrum had his injury troubles not derailed his career. Unfortunately, it was not to be, and fans will hope that the club will have better luck with their next signing for the position.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?
✅ Reported by other top-tier british outlets.
✅ Malacia is available on a free transfer and has yet to join his next club.
TPP view
We believe it is possible that Malacia is training with FC Cincinnati, although it is too soon to speculate on whether he will join them.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
