Malacia to United: Ten Hag's reaction to Dutch left-back is telling of his talent

Manchester United look set to get their summer spending underway as Erik ten Hag finally closes in on his first signing.

Fans have been left frustrated as rival clubs have already strengthened significantly while United have struggled to get deals over the line, with speculation running rife as usual liking the Red Devils to countless players.

But, they are now closing in on Ten Hag’s first signing as manager, having agreed a fee with Feyenoord for left-back Tyrell Malacia.

Hijacking a deal that was set to take Malacia to Lyon as per Fabrizio Romano, United pipped the French outfit’s transfer offer in a deal worth €15m in total, leaving Malacia with the choice of the two clubs.

It is expected that the 22-year-old will now sign for United, having informed Lyon of his decision, as an agreement on personal terms edges closer to finalise his move to Old Trafford.

Fans of the Red Devils finally have something to be excited about with Ten Hag finally being given one of his targets and improving one of several positions that needs a refresh, while a move for Frenkie de Jong is also believed to be nearing completion.

But while United’s pursuit of De Jong has essentially taken place in full in the public eye, their swift move for Malacia was one that was orchestrated quickly and in secret. And for such a fee, it’s a move that could prove to look a bargain in the coming years.

Certainly if you ask Ten Hag, anyway, who has shown in the past just how highly he regards the Netherlands full back.

Amid the news of the imminent transfer, footage has emerged online of when Ten Hag was first made aware of Malacia, when he was playing against Ajax for Feyenoord. In what was a rousing display, Ten Hag’s face lights up as he watches over the