Manchester United's struggles this season have been closely linked to the absence of Tyrell Malacia, a situation manager Erik ten Hag believes has been significantly underestimated, according to Man Utd News.
The Dutch left-back has been sidelined since last summer due to a knee meniscus injury that required surgery, ruling him out for the entirety of the current campaign.
This absence has left a noticeable void in Manchester United's defensive setup, particularly in the left-back position.
Luke Shaw's frequent injuries further compounded the issue, forcing the team to play without a natural left-back in 22 out of 43 games across all competitions.
During his debut season in the Premier League, Malacia proved to be a vital player for the Red Devils, featuring in 39 games across various competitions and only missing one matchday squad.
His absence this season has been keenly felt, with ten Hag highlighting the impact it has had on the team's performance.
Malacia initially experienced discomfort in his left knee but continued playing to make an impression in his first season.
However, he eventually reported the issue to the club's medical staff, leading to a decision to manage the injury temporarily. Despite this, the problem persisted, ultimately requiring surgery.
While the club proposed a surgeon in London, Malacia opted for treatment in the Netherlands under his chosen surgeon, leading to a procedure outside of the club's oversight.
Subsequent scans revealed lingering cartilage fragments, necessitating corrective surgery in November.
Malacia is back at Carrington but is working with an external specialist and shuttling between Manchester, Barcelona, and the Netherlands as part of his recovery process.
His return to team training will depend on his readiness, indicating a continued period of absence for the crucial left-back.
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