Manchester United are still hopeful of securing a loan deal for Tyrell Malacia before the transfer deadline, with the left-back keen to find a club where he can play regularly and rebuild his fitness.

Malacia had looked set for a temporary switch to Benfica, but the move has fallen through, and the deal is now off with the Portuguese giants looking to pursue a different option.

The 25-year-old had agreed to join Benfica, but talks between the two clubs failed to reach an agreement, with the option to buy figure at the end of the season said to be a major stumbling block. United were also looking for a loan fee and some of Malacia's wages to be covered in the package.

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It is the second time a move for Malacia has collapsed in this window, with an Italian side also pulling out of talks a couple of weeks ago having been unable to strike a deal with United. That has left Malacia's camp frustrated by the demands being placed on clubs interested in taking Malacia on loan.

The former Feyenoord defender is keen to find a temporary switch away to rebuild his form and fitness, having spent 18 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury that required two rounds of surgery. He has made eight appearances since returning to action in November, but in five of his six starts he has been taken off at half-time.

That happened again on Thursday against FCSB in Romania and speaking after the game Amorim said Malacia didn't fit his system as an attacking left wing-back.

"It's really hard on Malacia. It is a long time without playing, and then it's hard to play a lot of games," he said.

"A player like him is a full-back. He played with the national team outside and inside, but sometimes in this system, sometimes it's hard for him because he's not so offensive.

"He can play as one of the three defenders, if we have more possession and more control of the games. It's a really difficult context for him. But he's our player and we are going to help him."

Malacia was left out of the squad to face Crystal Palace on Sunday and there is still interest in him ahead of Monday's 11pm deadline, with Real Betis considering an approach.

It remains to be seen whether the loss of Lisandro Martinez to what looks like a serious knee injury against Palace affects United's plans for Malacia. Luke Shaw has returned to training and although United are handling his situation carefully, he is an option as a left-sided centre-back when fit.