Tyrell Malacia has admitted that Robin van Persie's career as a Manchester United player played a key role in him being poised to become the club's first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old is on the cusp of completing a move to Old Trafford from Dutch giants Feyenoord after United agreed a £12.9million fee with the Eredivisie club last week. Malacia is set to become the first addition of the Erik ten Hag era.
United acted swiftly to move for the attack-minded full-back, hijacking his proposed move to French club Lyon. Ten Hag, who has spent most of his career in Dutch football, is understood to be an enormous fan of Malacia's talents and was linked with signing him while in charge of Ajax.
READ MORE: Tyrell Malacia lifts lid on transfer conversation with Erik ten Hag
Malacia will become the latest addition to a long list of Dutch players to have represented United down the years, joining fellow countrymen Donny van de Beek and Tahith Chong who are currently part of the squad. But it was Van Persie's three-year stint at Old Trafford that convinced Malacia that this is the right move for him.
"I always followed Manchester United because Robin van Persie played there and he was a Feyenoord player," Malacia told De Telegraaf. "He was a lad who came from the academy at Feyenoord, too - just like me. That's why I've got an extra feeling with this club.
"In the youth team of Feyenoord we played a youth tournament at United years ago - and I was so impressed by everything. I said to myself 'I'll come back here one day.' That has now come true and that is, of course, wonderful. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a fantastic stadium and a wonderful history- and of course with a lot of top players who have played here. I am proud but also very grateful that I get this opportunity.
"I understand that the work on an even higher level only begins now. Becoming better every day and showing at this level that you can measure up. I have worked hard all my career and this is a reward for that, for me and for all the people who have always supported me and believed in me."
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