Victor Lindelof opens up on Tyrell Malacia after private chat with new signing

Victor Lindelof says he's "looking forward" to playing alongside new Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia this coming season.

The five-cap Netherlands international, 22, was United's first signing since Erik ten Hag's appointment and will challenge Luke Shaw and Alex Telles for the left-back position over the coming months. He's arrived from Feyenoord with 137 club games to his name.

Malacia remains an unknown quality to many Premier League fans, but his new teammate Lindelof has been impressed by his first two weeks at United. The defence was one of the team's biggest problems last term, conceding 69 goals in all competitions.

"He [Malacia] has been great," Lindelof told United's website. "I've talked to him a little bit, and he seems like a great guy, and I think he's going to fit right in with the squad with all of the guys. I'm looking forward to training with him more and working with him, but he is looking really, really good."

Malacia is one of two new signings at United with the other being former Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Red Devils are on the verge of signing Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, while they continue to chase Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Lindelof joined United five years ago but has never won a trophy at Old Trafford, making 196 appearances to date. The Sweden international, 28, is confident Ten Hag's team can improve on last season's sixth-placed Premier League finish under Ralf Rangnick.

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"It's been very good," added Lindelof when asked about Ten Hag's training sessions. "I think the training's - I think we have stepped up a lot and it's hard, like it should be in pre-season, and he demands a lot and I think it's been absolutely great, so yeah, a pleasure.

"I think everyone was excited to come back and to start to work on everything. Like I said, it's been great since we've came back and I think all of the guys were really excited and they're really putting in the effort to listen and to try and learn as fast as possible, you know, all of the things that coach wants us to do."

Lindelof also believes everyone is keen to impress Ten Hag ahead of the new season. "I think everyone wants to perform and show their best skills or abilities on the pitch," he added.

"I think that's normal going into every season. Of course, with the new coach you want to show what you can do on the pitch."

On the new Premier League campaign season, Lindelof continued: "Just to go out on the pitch at Old Trafford in front of our fans to play a game and wear the shirt it is an amazing feeling. So, of course, everyone is looking forward to that and we are doing everything we can to prepare the best we can for that game and for the rest of the season."

United's new Premier League campaign gets underway against Brighton at Old Trafford on August 7. In the meantime, they've got friendlies against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano to complete.