What next for Tyrell Malacia after Man United comeback with left-back keen to impress Ruben Amorim

Tyrell Malacia believes he is ready to be part of the Manchester United squad for Ruben Amorim's first game in charge against Ipswich Town a week on Sunday.

The left-back made his comeback from 16 months on the sidelines with a 50-minute run-out against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, and he came through the game unscathed.

It was Malacia's first appearance of any kind since playing for the Netherlands in the Nations League 517 days ago and his first game in a United shirt since the end of May 2023.

He has been back in team training since September and now feels strong enough to immediately compete for a place in Amorim's team, but United are still set to be cautious with his return to action.

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Malacia has had two surgeries on a problematic knee injury, and United are determined to handle his rehabilitation into the first-team carefully. While the 25-year-old has declared himself ready, he could instead play for the Under-21s again against Altrincham in the new National League Cup next Tuesday.

The former Feyenoord defender has been working hard to return to fitness and is desperate to return to first-team action as soon as possible. In Amorim's system, the role of left-back or left wing-back is up for grabs.

United haven't had a natural left-back available for nine months, and Malacia's rival for that spot, Luke Shaw, has only just returned to training himself, with both now keen to impress Amorim and get a head start.

Shaw last played for United on February 18. He returned to fitness to be part of the England squad for the summer's European Championship, starting in the final defeat to Spain but then suffered a setback on his return to Carrington.

Amorim has hinted that he will bring his favoured three-man defence with him to Old Trafford, which could leave a vacancy at left wing-back. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been filling in on that flank this season, but as natural right-footers, both might only be seen as options on that side under Amorim.