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.
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United moved at lightning speed to get a deal wrapped up and they made him their first signing of what would prove to be a record-breaking window. On reflection, almost four months on from Malacia's arrival in M16, it was a wise decision; he has been excellent for the most part, showing plenty of promise and encouragement, and providing Shaw with the motivation he needed.
Shaw, like many others in the squad, massively underperformed last season, meaning the signing of Malacia, as much as a surprise as it was, made sense. He needed a degree of competition, even if United did sign the latter with the intention of keeping Shaw as their first choice left-back.
The England international started the season at left-back, but after a disastrous first-half showing in the 4-0 drubbing at Brentford, Malacia got the nod for the following fixture against Liverpool. Malacia kept his place in the team after United won that match.
However, his failure to deal with Phil Foden in the first half of the derby day defeat to Manchester City at the start of October saw him hooked at half-time and he has not played a single minute in the Premier League since, paving the way for Shaw to return and to try and make the left-back spot his own again.
The former Southampton man has started each of the last five league games, barely putting a foot wrong, helping United earn three clean sheets in five games, as well as providing the assist for Casemiro's dramatic equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
While the clean sheets and the assist have been the headline acts of Shaw's recent performances, his overall showings have been about much more; he has been key in United's build-up play, being progressive with the ball, taking up good attacking positions on the left, such is Ten Hag's desire to see his full-backs get into advanced areas of the pitch, and has been mostly solid defensively.
But should Shaw's current form be that much of a surprise? When you consider that his best season in a United shirt to date came in 2020/21, following the signing of Telles from Porto, it suggests that he thrives when someone is snapping at his heels to pounce on any mistakes and claim his position in the team.
Malacia has given Shaw that strong level of competition that he needed to get back towards his best. And the latter recently highlighted the importance of having someone to compete with to earn the right of starting every week.
He said: "Tyrell has obviously been playing as well and playing really well, and I think that's really good, for the manager to have competition in different positions, and both of us performing at a good level."
Shaw, who will have aspirations of starting England's World Cup opener against Iran in just under three weeks time, has evidently benefitted from Malacia's presence, just as the latter no doubt did when he owned the left-back spot up until recently. He has been one of United's most consistent performers in recent weeks, although his displays have sometimes gone under the radar and not earned the plaudits they have deserved.
Malacia has given Shaw the impetus he needed to revive his Old Trafford career. He was regularly criticised last season, meaning it is only right to give credit where credit's due.
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