Tasked with trying to stop Mohamed Salah from rubbing more salt into gaping Manchester United wounds, Tyrell Malacia could not have asked for a more difficult challenge on his first Premier League start.
Salah has become something of a nightmare for United to deal with in recent seasons, scoring eight goals in his last four appearances against the Reds ahead of Monday night's latest coming together at Old Trafford. He scored a hat-trick on his last visit to the Theatre of Dreams and netted a further two goals when the two sides collided at Anfield back in April.
Although Liverpool arrived in M16 without a victory to their name, they were still the much fancied favourites to scoop all three points, particularly when you consider just how poor United were during their 4-0 drubbing at Brentford just over a week ago. But in an attempt to spark a reaction, Erik ten Hag made four changes to his starting line-up, naming a team that raised plenty of eyebrows an hour before kick-off.
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The omissions of Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo were the headline-grabbing moves made by Ten Hag, but his decision to start new recruits Lisandro Martinez and Malacia alongside each other in defence were just as bold. Malacia had never started a game in the Premier League and Martinez, a fellow new recruit, was so poor at Brentford that he was hooked at half-time, resulting in him being criticised left, right and centre.
Facing Salah, United fans feared the worst - and understandably so. However, Martinez and Malacia, supported by the experience and knowhow of Raphael Varane, who was making his first start of the campaign, dealt with Salah with minimal fuss. The Egyptian didn't get so much as a sniff, even though he was in the right place at the right time to pull a goal back for Jurgen Klopp's side in the closing stages.
Malacia, who was United's first new recruit of the summer, was, in fairness, unlucky not to start at Brentford. Luke Shaw was all over the place against Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening day and produced an even worse display in the capital. Malacia came on at half-time in the sweltering London heat and showed signs of encouragement, so much so that he captured Gary Neville's attention.
Neville, speaking after Monday night's win over Liverpool, said: " They had a defence that was tenacious. Malacia, I saw a little bit against Brentford [of what he offers], which is fight, tenacity and spirit. He brought that tonight in abundance."
Fighting spirit is something Malacia most certainly didn't lack. He displayed the characteristics of a player that wanted to win at all costs, something not many United players can say they have shown in the last 12 months.
Naturally, as any full debutant would, Malacia was determined to justify his inclusion and leave his calling card. He did exactly that. His reading of the game was excellent, as was his passing range and ability to keep Salah at arm's-length. He performed like a seasoned Premier League full-back, not a 23-year-old rookie looking to make a name for himself in one of English football's biggest matches.
The challenge he now faces, just like United do as a collective, is to not let his standards drop. He has set the bar high and he must prove to Ten Hag, who was determined to bring him to Old Trafford this summer, that he can continue to perform at the same level. He has certainly leapfrogged Shaw in the quest to become United's first choice left-back, that there is no doubt about.
His performance was one that announced his arrival in England and sent a warning to Shaw that he now has a competitor. When you reflect on the opening three matches, Malacia's performance against Liverpool blew Shaw's against Brighton and Brentford out of the water.
Malacia also brought a turn of speed and energy to the side, meaning he is perfect for the way that Ten Hag wants United to play. It is important to not to get too high after just one match, but he's set a standard that cannot be ignored.
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