Robin van Persie has revealed his pride at seeing Tyrell Malacia during his debut Manchester United campaign but has sent a word of warning to the defender.
The Dutch left back became Erik ten Hag ’s first signing at the club following his arrival from Ajax last summer. He put pen to paper on a £12.5m move from Feyenoord, signing a four-year deal in the process.
The 23-year-old has made 30 appearances during his debut season as a Red Devil - his tenacity and creativity from left back a standout fixture so far, with six assists in all competitions. Former United striker Van Persie, who ended his career playing with Malacia in Rotterdam at the pair's boyhood club, has weighed in on how Malacia has performed so far and was very complimentary of his showings.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Dutchman said: "I do believe, per window, [you have] to get a couple of the right players in, and Tyrell Malacia is one of them. He wasn’t really well known before he came.
"I played with him at Feyenoord, so I knew how good he was, and still is, and he is proving that every game.
"When it clicks and when it's clear what to do, because clearly [there are] both full-backs - Diogo Dalot on the right side, you have Luke Shaw sometimes on the left, or Tyrell - you can see that they know exactly what to do in ball possession, as well when the opponent has the ball. He’s doing that so well and I’m so proud of him.”
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Van Persie has further suggested that Malacia’s development at Old Trafford could lead to further young players coming through soon but has warned that he needs to continue working in order to forge himself a long-term career with United.
"He’s from my city," he added. "He’s from my club. He’s giving a lot of youngsters hope.
"He is now playing on the highest level and competing against the best. He’s not only giving youngsters here hope, he’s giving youngsters in Holland hope, like okay, if you play well, there is a possibility that you can go really far, so that you end up playing for a team like Manchester United, and I’m just proud of him.
"I hope he keeps developing and improving and stays hungry to keep getting better every day."
Away from Old Trafford, Malacia will be aiming to get a few more opportunities for the Dutch national side. Having already accumulated six caps for his country, he has been named in Ronald Koeman’s latest squad for the March international break.
The Netherlands take on beaten World Cup finalists France in Paris on Friday before taking on Gibraltar in Euro 2024 qualifiers.
