Manchester United are continuing efforts to resolve the future of Tyrell Malacia, the final member of the so-called “Bomb Squad” still on the club’s books.
The 26-year-old defender had appeared set for a loan switch to Spanish side Elche last week, only for the deal to collapse on transfer deadline day. The breakdown left Malacia in limbo, still registered at Old Trafford but with little clarity over whether he will feature in United’s long-term plans.
Head coach Ruben Amorim, who took charge earlier this summer, has previously said he would be open to reintegrating any of United’s exiled players into his squad. Nevertheless, insiders suggest the final call on Malacia’s situation will depend entirely on Amorim, especially with several transfer windows in other countries still open and potential suitors monitoring the player’s status.
Malacia arrived at United from Feyenoord in 2022 amid high expectations, becoming the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era. Initially viewed as strong competition for Luke Shaw, he showed flashes of promise with his energy and defensive commitment. However, persistent injury problems and inconsistent form curtailed his progress, pushing him down the pecking order and ultimately into the “Bomb Squad” of players considered surplus to requirements.
United’s priority now is to strike the right balance between reducing the squad size and offering opportunities for players to revive their careers elsewhere. For Malacia, the coming weeks could prove decisive: either a late move abroad materializes, or he finds himself with a chance to earn Amorim’s trust and fight for his place.
What remains clear is that his career at Old Trafford is at a crossroads. Whether Malacia can reignite his trajectory at United or seek a fresh start elsewhere will depend on decisions taken in the immediate future.