Colgate nickname and retirement anger - Inside Tyrell Malacia's Man United return after 517 days out

People who work closely with Tyrell Malacia sometimes refer to him as a world-famous toothpaste brand. 'Colgate', Malacia is known by those within his camp because that smile can light up a room.

But over the previous 517 days, there have been many when it hasn't been switched on. Malacia has been through some difficult times since he last appeared on a football pitch, playing 15 minutes for the Netherlands in their Nations League clash with Croatia on June 14, 2023.

That was the Manchester United full-back's last appearance before a 50-minute outing against Huddersfield at the John Smith's Stadium on Tuesday. From the Nations League to the EFL Trophy, it would have meant just as much to Malacia, who counted family members among the usual small crowd for these fixtures.

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It had been agreed he would play the first half against the League One side - earning an extra five minutes due to several stoppages - before being replaced by Harry Amass. His first club outing since May 2023 went well. Malacia was happy with his run out, and he will now return to Carrington and aim to catch the eye of Ruben Amorim.

Malacia had no nerves as he built up to such a significant day. He had 'been ready for a long time', as one source close to the player said. He returned to first-team training in September and has been handled carefully because of the severity of the knee injury he suffered and the fact it required two operations to sort out.

The 25-year-old also had to deal with fevered speculation about his future. When his comeback was delayed last season due