Manchester United begin their pre-season with a game against Rosenborg on July 15 in Norway before traveling to Scotland to play Rangers on July 20.
The squad reported back for training on July 8 while players involved in Copa America and Euros are only expected to join when the team leaves for the USA.
In the meantime, players who picked up long-term injuries last year are still working their way back to fitness ahead of their return to competitive action.
Players like Harry Maguire are working overtime to get themselves fit and available for pre-season but Tyrell Malacia recently received a worrying injury update.
Now, United have provided an official update on the left-back ahead of the first pre-season game and fans all have the same reaction which everyone can relate to!
Fans react to United’s Tyrell Malacia injury update
United have revealed that Malacia has taken the next step in his long-term injury by progressing in his fitness program.
On Friday, he returned to Carrington and has started training individually on grass under the supervision of the medical staff.
Upon getting the news, fans reacted in joking disbelief, as United’s lack of transparency on his injury had led some fans to fear the worst.
The most common sentiment among fans was of shock, as one wrote, “He’s alive!”, as another joked about his happiness at the update, writing, “I’m crying in church right now!”.
The jokes didn’t stop there as one said, “Nice AI generated pic admin. We know he’s not there”. Another said Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new era at United has led to players itching to get back to full health.
Many were in agreement that despite this encouraging update, United need to make some tough decisions. One said, “We need to sign another left-back because we can’t rely on him and Shaw”. Many agreed, with one saying, “He won’t be reliable next season. Sign another left-back ASAP!”.
Ultimately, all United fans share a cautious excitement over the prospect of seeing Malacia back after such a long injury.
The left-back situation
If Malacia returns to full training and avoids further setbacks, then United’s left-back situation will suddenly look a lot more healthy when looking at it holistically.
That is because Luke Shaw has started getting into a match rhythm after minutes with England at the Euros. Getting both options for the position will be a huge boost.
Add to that the emergence of Harry Amass, and United will be well settled in that position with a first-choice, a backup, and an exciting youngster. Of course, both Shaw and Malacia’s minutes will need to be managed as they ramp up their return but having options will allow Ten Hag to do that.
In the meantime, fans will eagerly hope Shaw returns from international duty without any setbacks and Malacia keeps up on his upward fitness trajectory.