Tyrell Malacia could be the right man at the wrong time for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United

Manchester United need upgrades in almost every area before next season. Erik ten Hag's priority signing this window is Frenkie de Jong and the Dutchman's arrival would likely take up a large portion of United's budget, so they will need to be shrewd as they look to address other areas.

The Manchester Evening News understands that the club want to sign a centre-back after they've signed De Jong. They also hope to sign a forward, another midfielder plus a goalkeeper to provide back-up for David de Gea when Dean Henderson departs on loan. A full-back could also be on the agenda and The Daily Mail have claimed that United could look to target Tyrell Malacia.

Ten Hag will know Malacia well from his time in the Netherlands. The left-back was a key part of a Feyenoord team that came third in the Eredivisie last season and also reached the UEFA Conference League final.

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Malacia has already been called up to the Netherlands national team and he made his debut in September 2021 against Montenegro. He has since continued to be a part of Louis van Gaal's set-up, but United will have to be wary as their former manager's selection policy has already caused Jurrien Timber to have doubts over a move to Old Trafford.

Reports in the Netherlands have stated that Malacia could be available for as little as €15m (£12.9m) plus add-ons. However, United are not the only club interested. Lyon are deep in negotiations with the youngster so United would have to move fast to secure his services for next season.

If the idea is to bring in a youngster option who will provide more competition down the left-hand side for Luke Shaw, then Malacia would be an