Manchester United had few takeaways from their Europa League opener against Real Sociedad.
Tyrell Malacia, a summer signing, stood out for all the right reasons.
Malacia was deprived of rest after Luke Shaw’s injury forced him to miss the game for the fifth time in a row.
Manchester United’s best player on the night was Malacia, and while there weren’t many good candidates to choose from, Malacia was a genuine bright spot.
Malacia was Manchester United’s best player against Real Sociedad, showing initiative with his defending to frequently help win the ball back for the team.
The Dutchman helped to start off United’s attacks and regularly got forward to join in the build-up play, especially in the first half.
He played a very smart through ball in the second half which should have put Anthony Elanga through, but the Swede could not take the ball in his stride.
Malacia made 81 touches in total, and had two successful dribbles, also winning two free-kicks.
He won seven out of eight duels he contested, also making six ball recoveries, one block, one interception, and winning two tackles.
The 23-year-old has been a real find for United since his summer move from Feyenoord, and earlier this week a talk show in Holland called for him to be his country’s first choice left-back at the World Cup.
It was easy to see why in this performance. He has been a seamless fit into United’s team, and even when fit, it is hard to see how Luke Shaw might get back into the first-choice XI right now.
Malacia was very unfortunate to be on the losing side. This was his first defeat as a starter in a United shirt, and hopefully, there won’t be many more like this to come anytime soon.
Tyrell Malacia has continued his record of winning every game he has started in a Manchester United shirt.
The left-back was excellent yet again as the Red Devils won a fourth successive game, beating Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford.
Malacia was tested by Gunners winger Bukayo Saka and came through the encounter with flying colors.
He kept going until the very final whistle, winning one late tussle which earned him a roar of applause from the appreciative crowd.
