Tyrell Malacia set to bring Man Utd nightmare to an end as Benfica push for loan deal for injury-plagued defender

Malacia has endured a nightmare time at United since signing from Feyenoord in 2022. The left-back has been plagued by physical issues and missed all of last season through injury. United are now potentially set to wave goodbye to the Dutchman after opening talks with Benfica over a loan move to the Portuguese side, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Left-back has been a problem position for United due to Malacia and Luke Shaw's injury problems. They have moved to address that and are close to completing a deal for Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu before the January window closes. Meanwhile, Shaw has returned to training after his latest injury setback and is gearing up for a return to first-team action in February.

Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim spoke about Malacia's future after his team's Europa League win over FCSB. He told reporters: "We will see. What I know is that it’s been really hard for Malacia. Long time without playing, then it’s hard to make a lot of games. A player like him, a full-back, sometimes in this system it’s hard for him because he’s not so offensive. He can play as one of the three defenders, if we have possession in more games, so it’s really difficult context for him, we want to help him.”

United look set for a busy end to the January transfer window, with Malacia potentially leaving and Dorgu arriving. Marcus Rashford is also reportedly closing in on a move to Aston Villa, while the Red Devils have been tipped to make a late bid to sign Mathys Tel from Bayern. On the pitch, the club is back in action on Sunday in the Premier League against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.