Erik ten Hag pinpoints optimum Man Utd "profile" after Tyrell Malacia transfer

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has gone into detail on what new signing Tyrell Malacia can offer the club.

Dutch left-back Malacia, 22, has joined from Feyenoord, becoming the first signing of the Ten Hag era in the process. The defender has linked up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, and further signings could well follow.

Ten Hag has reportedly made a phone call with a view to potentially signing RB Leipzig striker Brian Brobbey, while a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains possible. There is no doubt over Malacia, though, and the United boss has explained why the club acted to wrap up the transfer early.

"I think he's the modern left-back or full-back," Ten Hag told club media. "He suits the profile [we were looking for] and most important from every full-back is that he closes the right area."

"He can also take part in the offensive side of our game, and he can do that really well. I think he will really contribute to the team."

Malacia's arrival will see him compete with Luke Shaw and Alex Telles for a spot in United's pre-season tour XI. Another left-back option, Brandon Williams, has stayed home owing to a minor injury concern.

Malacia, who played for Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League final, has taken the number 12 shirt at his new club. The number was last worn by Chris Smalling - one of his opponents in that final - who left United for Roma in 2020.

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The 22-year-old could play his first minutes for United as they take on Liverpool in a friendly in Bangkok on July 12. The Red Devils will then travel to Australia for three further fixtures before returning to Europe.

Ten Hag's touring squad includes a number of academy talents in addition to first-team regulars. Young right-back Ethan Laird is involved after a stint on loan at Bournemouth last season, while Alejandro Garnacho, Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal are also in the mix.

Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri has made the trip, though he has suggested he may seek a loan departure in order to play regularly ahead of the World Cup. The 20-year-old was in and out of the team during a loan spell at Alaves last season, suffering relegation from La Liga.

Williams isn't the only first teamer absent, with Phil Jones undergoing a special pre-season programme back in England after only being involved sparingly last term. The highest-profile absentee is Cristiano Ronaldo, with the veteran excused for family reasons as speculation continues to mount over his long-term future with the Manchester club.