Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag Seeks Improvement Through Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s Return

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, believes that the team’s recent struggles will come to an end once left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are back on the pitch. Shaw, who has been out all season due to a calf issue, and Malacia, who has not played since the summer of 2023 due to a knee injury, have left a void in the squad that ten Hag is keen to fill.

Recent matches have not been kind to United, with last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham and a 3-3 draw with Porto on Thursday further increasing the pressure on the manager. Ten Hag acknowledged the team’s poor performance, stating that consistent performance levels will only be achievable once they have a fit and available left-back. He praised Diogo Dalot’s makeshift role in the position, saying: “Why Dalot at left back? For the patterns I prefer in this moment Diogo [to Noussair Mazraoui]. Both of course are right full backs.”

However, ten Hag reiterated that he does not expect Shaw or Malacia to return before the October international break. Despite this setback, the manager is banking on the duo’s comeback to turn around United’s fortunes. “For a long time we’ve had a personnel issue there,” he said. “We will improve as a team if we get a consistent left-footed left full-back. We are waiting for Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia to return to the squad, and that will definitely help consistent performance levels.”

Ten Hag’s words offer a glimpse into the team’s predicament and the need for a reliable left-back. With Shaw and Malacia expected to return eventually, United fans will be eagerly anticipating a turnaround in the team’s performance.