Tyrell Malacia's "respect" for Man Utd transfer target Antony after heated derby clash

Tyrell Malacia won't hold any grudges if hot-headed Ajax star Antony follows him to Manchester United.

Highly-rated left-back Malacia is expected to officially join the Red Devils in the coming days after United struck a deal with Feyenoord worth £15.7million. Set to be Erik ten Hag 's first signing as manager at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old might not be the only newcomer for long.

In the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo 's bombshell transfer request, Mirror Football understands that the new Red Devils boss told the Old Trafford board to step up their pursuit of Antony as a way of offsetting their superstar's potential sudden departure.

Known for his skill on the ball, and an impressive goal and assist output, the Brazilian has also made a name for himself as someone who can lose his temper and cost his team a card or two. Coincidentally, exactly that happened when Antony and Malacia lined up against each other only three months ago.

Representing bitter rivals Feyenoord and Ajax respectively, Malacia marshalled Antony superbly and even impressed opposition boss Ten Hag. But it was the attacker who'd get the glory by scoring an 89th-minute winner to secure an important three points which helped the Amsterdam giants lift the Eredivisie title for a second successive season.

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They were both involved in the game's flashpoint moment, though, as Malacia collided with Antony in injury time, sending the Ajax winger tumbling towards the dugouts in - at least what seemed like from his theatrics - unbearable agony.

Having already received a yellow card just minutes earlier for removing his shirt when celebrating the winning goal - his