Not many Manchester United supporters would have anticipated that a relatively unknown left-back would be the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era.
But such was the speed at which United moved to hijack Tyrell Malacia's proposed move from Feyenoord to Lyon, the Dutchman was first through the doors at Carrington this summer. The idea of signing a new left-back was not a leading priority on the wish lists that were compiled by United's fans when they were busy debating what areas of the squad they wanted to see strengthened ahead of the start of this season.
United were well-stocked in that area of the squad, courtesy of the availability of Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams, who had returned from a loan spell at Norwich City, and youngster Alvaro Fernandez. However, Malacia had caught Ten Hag's attention in the Netherlands and the opportunity to bring him to Old Trafford was one he could not resist.
