New Man United injury update makes Erik ten Hag's next transfer decision easy

“They assured me they will both be fit in January,” Erik ten Hag said of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia when asked why Sergio Reguilon’s season-long loan was ended early.

Ten Hag may have felt aggrieved after being left with egg on his face. Although Shaw had returned for a few weeks in February, he soon pulled up with an injury that ultimately ended his club season. United fans can be forgiven for forgetting that Malacia is still an option.

Despite being at the club for more than two years, the return of the defender will feel like a new signing. The 24-year-old is under pressure to perform when he does come back.

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READ MORE: Manchester United issue major Tyrell Malacia injury update

The Dutchman has just two years left on his deal with a sale next summer not out of the question under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-minding regime. The full-back has suffered devastating setbacks since his knee surgery last summer.

It means he has yet to take to the field in more than a year, and a new update on his condition has confirmed he won’t do so before October. That timeframe is not unexpected given the fact he was left back at Carrington as United jetted off for their pre-season tour of the USA.

United’s left-back options may have given Ten Hag a few headaches last term with Malacia out of action and Shaw limited to just 15 games due to three separate setbacks. United had to find a deputy to step in once Reguilon returned to Tottenham and then loaned to Brentford.

Diogo Dalot did a credible job in the role in the end but he is far from an ideal option. In an age where wingers prefer to play on the opposite flank to their strongest