Erik ten Hag's summer transfer business could have a big impact on his first Manchester United signing

Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia has recently come to the end of his first season at Old Trafford.

Malacia was Erik ten Hag's first signing at United last summer and went on to get respectable game time in his maiden campaign. The 23-year-old made 39 appearances after his move from Feyenoord.

The left-back was sometimes afforded chances in the team in place of Luke Shaw when the team was rotated, but also when the latter was given the chance in the heart of defence. Shaw added this string to his bow last season and was heavily relied upon towards the end of the campaign.

It came after the loss of Lisandro Martinez due to a fractured metatarsal. Shaw performed admirably in the centre-back role, while Victor Lindelof also stepped in to partner Raphael Varane.

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It left club captain Harry Maguire as United's fifth-choice central defender. Varane, Martinez, Lindelof and now even Shaw are in front of him in the pecking order at the back.

United will have another busy season next campaign with their return to the Champions League. Varane is unlikely to be able to play three games in a week, so there will be times when he is rested. Martinez and Lindelof will likely remain ahead of Shaw in the centre-back pecking order.

The big defensive transfer question this summer at United will be around Maguire and if he moves on to pastures new. Though the emergence of Shaw at centre half offers an option, United could seek to sign a replacement if Maguire does depart.

Malacia made it clear last season that he wants to play as many games as he can and admitted it was difficult when he did not get minutes. But he vowed to always be ready to feature if called upon.

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