Manchester United's forgotten player just returned and will demand Ruben Amorim's attention

Relief. Happiness. Gratitude. Optimism. These are just some of the emotions that would have swirled through Tyrell Malacia's mind as he played his first competitive game in 517 days.

Malacia has been on a long road to recovery from injury and Tuesday night was a significant moment in his career. He played for the Under-21s against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy having worked tirelessly to feel the grass beneath his feet at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The 25-year-old sustained a knee injury at the end of the 2022/23 season and required two rounds of surgery to address the issue, despite United trying to initially manage it with pain injections. Malacia’s rehabilitation hasn’t been straightforward and it was great to see him in a United shirt again.

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The mental challenge of overcoming a significant period on the sidelines is often overlooked when it shouldn't be. Malacia has almost been an outsider at his own club having been forced to watch while his peers progressed while he has stalled.

Some of the United medical staff who have helped Malacia along his journey attended the game to celebrate his return and a handful of fans asked him for a selfie as he left the team bus. Malacia received warm applause from the 200 or so United supporters as he warmed up and his first touch of the contest came after five minutes.

The Dutchman exchanged a few passes with Tommy Rowe and combined with Sekou Kone, the exciting young midfielder who signed for United for around £1million in the summer. After settling into the game and remembering what a competitive fixture felt like, Malacia made his first venture into Huddersfield's half but eventually turned back to retain possession.

It's almost difficult to remember how much attacking quality Malacia possesses because he last played so long ago, but he'll have to excel in that area if he wants to have a role in Ruben Amorim's squad. Amorim plays with wing-backs and Malacia is hopeful of being in his plans.

That must be the Dutchman's target once he gets back up to speed. His contract expires in 2026 and he will go from facing a battle to recover from injury to another battle to fight for his future at the club, which highlights the brutal reality of Premier League football.

Kone, meanwhile, made his first start for the academy against Huddersfield and although everyone's eyes were on Malacia in the first half, he oozed quality and demonstrated his high potential.

The 18-year-old's dynamic range of passing was impressive but he is undeniably raw. There were moments when he was slipping on the pitch - it caused him to lose possession once - and coming up against a strong, physical Huddersfield side gave him a real 'welcome to British football'.

Kone was involved in a handful of strong challenges in the first half and came off five minutes before the break with a knock. He limped toward the bench and was applauded off.

Finley McAllister replaced him and United produced an equaliser moments later. Huddersfield had taken the lead in the 29th minute thanks to an excellent strike from Ben Wiles but United youngster Victor Musa ensured the scores were level at the break by finishing with a brilliant backheel. Ethan Ennis was responsible for the assist and is enjoying an outstanding campaign. The winger has contributed five goals and two assists but is still somehow going under the radar.

Malacia was substituted at half-time, which was pre-planned given his significant lay-off, and his comeback appearance would have pleased the medical staff who helped him along the way.

Seven of Huddersfield's starting team played in their League One draw at Crawley at the weekend and United needed to avoid defeat to progress to the next round. A draw would have been good enough but Huddersfield took the lead again shortly after the hour mark.

That gave United's youngsters a chunk of time to produce another equaliser. Travis Binnion made a double substitution, with Sam Mather and Jack Moorhouse replacing Jayce Fitzgerald and Habeeb Ogunneye, but a strong Huddersfield side's experience and nous proved to be the difference.

Huddersfield managed the closing stages of the contest well as United pushed for a goal and the away support sang "you've only come to see United." There was also an early rendition of "12 days of Cantona," and the returning Malacia will be hoping for first-team involvement this Christmas.

The home side, who are currently eighth in England's third tier, ensured their victory when scoring twice in quick succession in the final minutes, which condemned United to defeat,

It was great to see Malacia return. It wasn't great to see the youngster exit the EFL Trophy.