After an impressive start to his Manchester United career, Tyrell Malacia is going through his most difficult period yet. The Dutch defender, who was Erik ten Hag's first signing at Old Trafford, has been replaced at half-time on two occasions in recent weeks, and, for now, appears to have fallen back behind Luke Shaw in the pecking order.
The 23-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Reds since his summer switch from Feyenoord, but was taken off at the interval in last week's clash against Omonia Nicosia and also in the 6-3 derby defeat by Manchester City after abject displays at full-back.
Malacia was an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory over Everton on Sunday night - the first time that the defender has been dropped since starting the 4-0 defeat to Brentford on the bench. He was certainly not the only one who was underwhelming at the Etihad, but the young Dutchman did struggle against the reigning champions.
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While Malacia has featured frequently for the Reds, Shaw, on the other hand, has needed to be patient so far this term. The 27-year-old, who has only started on three occasions, started the first two matches of the campaign, but dropped as United went on an impressive winning run.
However, the defeat by City led Ten Hag to make changes for the clash at Goodison Park last week - and Shaw for Malacia was one of those. The England defender - who scored for the Three Lions against Germany in the recent international break - replaced the Dutchman against Omonia Nicosia on Thursday night, which sparked debate around who was now the club's first-choice left-back.
Following the narrow 1-0 victory over Omonia, United legend Scholes suggested that Shaw was "slightly ahead" of Malacia in the contest for the left-back position. The BT Sport pundit argued that the England international was one of the best left-backs in the division, while hinting that Malacia still had some work to do in order to reach his potential.
"It’s very difficult to say with this manager and what he’s thinking [whether Shaw will start this weekend]. Luke Shaw, when he’s fit, is one of the best left-backs around, he did really well when he came on and again on Sunday," said Scholes. "Malacia has done well for a young kid coming over into a new league, he’s adapted well but if you’re choosing between [the two], Luke Shaw is just slightly ahead."
While Malacia can be pleased with the start he has made to his Old Trafford career, he will be disappointed about being dropped and losing his starting position, especially after impressing in the past two months. However, the former Feyenoord man has already been told what he needs to do in order to win his place back.
Speaking during United's pre-season tour in July, the 23-year-old insisted that he was excited to challenge Shaw for the starting position and said that he was aware of how hard he would need to work in order to feature regularly for the Reds.
Malacia spoke about Ten Hag's requirement for players to prove themselves in training, adding that the Dutch coach was keen for his full-backs to consistently attack down the flanks.
"Of course, always," Malacia replied when asked if he could challenge Shaw. "There are some good left-backs here: Telles, Brandon (Williams), Luke, me. So you have to work hard and prove ourselves in training and in the end the coach will make a decision.
"Of course, it's everybody's aim (to be first choice). You always want to play, so you have to work hard for it. I like to attack, I think that's one of the reasons why [Ten Hag] brought me here, so I have to prove to everyone why I'm here.
"He wants to attack with the left-back and right-back, so that's what he wants. He has a system and he wants me to play like this, and that's something we speak about.
"I'm happy that I made my debut and that we got the win. I already feel like I'm home. They made me feel like I'm home already, so I'm happy to be here."
Unless Ten Hag decides to change a winning side, Shaw is expected to start on the left against Newcastle on Sunday, with Malacia on the bench.
For now, it is vital that Malacia continues to work hard in training - he has seen already, through Shaw, that the Reds boss is willing to bring players in at different stages. His start to the season has been incredibly strong, and he will certainly get the chance to continue that in the coming weeks.
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