What Manchester United players did for Tyrell Malacia after injury nightmare

Manchester United players made a point of celebrating Tyrell Malacia's first appearance back in training as a way to show him they were ready to welcome him back.

Malacia returned to some elements of group training on September 20 as he recovers from a serious knee injury that has kept him sidelined since May 2023 and while he is doing some individual training, he has taken part in the rondo drills at the start of sessions.

The Netherlands international's return has been carefully managed. He graduated from purely individual training sessions in July to a more involved role now. He was named in United's 25-man squad for the first phase of the Europa League in September.

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Fellow full-back Diogo Dalot revealed that it had been difficult for teammates to see Malacia go through his injury nightmare, which is why they wanted to make a point of welcoming him back to the fold at Carrington.

“It was really tough to see him and the struggle that he’s been through," Dalot told Saturday's edition of United Review.

"You can’t imagine how difficult it would be to not be able to do what you love, your job, for such a long time. That’s why we celebrated when he came on training with us, even if it was just for the little boxes… to make sure that he feels we are ready to welcome him and to keep helping him, because he’s going to need it.

"At the end of the day, it was a really long time since he got an injury. We’re really pleased to have him. The team needs him and the club needs him, so we are really happy.”

Ten Hag issued an update on Malacia in September and