Malacia's first words as Man Utd player perfectly hint at Erik ten Hag plan

Tyrell Malacia has completed his move to Manchester United and his first comments as a Red Devils player appear to explain why Erik ten Hag was so keen to sign him.

The Netherlands international looked for weeks as if he was bound for Ligue 1 giants Lyon, who submitted three bids to Feyenoord - the third of which was accepted. However, United offered an extra £2million and saw their proposal of £15m plus an extra £2m in add-ons accepted by the Eredivisie outfit.

After some minor delays in announcing the deal due to some issues surrounding Malacia's representatives, the 22-year-old can now call himself a United player after penning a four-year contract that contains the option to extend for a further year.

Malacia has already spoken to the Red Devils fanbase for the first time and opened up on his prior knowledge of new manager Erik ten Hag from their shared time in the Dutch top-flight. "It's an incredible feeling to have joined Manchester United," the former Feyenoord defender explained.

"This is a new chapter for me, a new league with new teammates and a tremendous manager [Ten Hag] leading us. I know from playing against his teams in the Eredivisie, the qualities that he has and what he demands of his players."

The full-back then went on to make a promise to the United fans as well as graciously thanking his former side for their helping hand in his development. "Whilst I know that I am still young and will continue to develop, I can promise the United fans that I will leave everything on the pitch every time I pull on the red shirt," he added.

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"I'll always be thankful to Feyenoord for all they have given to me and my family. None of this would be possible if it wasn't for them. Now I'm ready to focus on the future with United, and help my new club achieve success."

Malacia's comments will make for welcome reading from a United fan perspective, as the club have long been without players willing to give their all and take the manager's word as final. His relationship with Ten Hag actually dates back prior to this transfer.

While the two were in Holland, Malacia caught the eye of Ten Hag who was managing at Ajax at the time. The 52-year-old coach was keen on bringing him to the Amsterdam Arena but decided not to due to the fierce rivalry between the two teams.

The defender is the perfect kind of acquisition from Ten Hag as he looks to overhaul this struggling United side with young, talented and hungry players willing to work tirelessly to restore the club to its former glories.