by Tyrell Malacia says he wants to be at Manchester United to be tested against the best as he continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford this month.
Malacia, 25, has been limited to six first-team appearances this season after a long-standing knee injury cost him all of last season, and he has been touted for a move for the second half of the season as that United Eye Lecce Patrick Dorgu’s file as a strong fit for Ruben Amorim’s system.
The Dutchman, a £13m signing from Feyenoord in 2022, came on as a second-half substitute in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers, having been brought back to the bench during from United’s FA Cupty Turning Out victory against Arsenal two weeks ago.
Malacia also started the Premier League match against Arsenal last month, with the two games against the Gunners pitting him against Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Asked about this challenge, he told MUTV: “You always want to play against the best,” he said. “That’s why I’m at Manchester United. This is why you want to play in the Premier League. I’m always ready. I always want to play good games, so it doesn’t matter against who.
“I feel sharp and I feel ready. All I want to do is play football. It’s been a long time, so I’m happy to be back.
United won the shootout at the Emirates despite playing almost an hour of football with 10 men following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card. The result came on the back of a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool as United appeared to be turning a corner after four consecutive defeats.
Ruben Amorim’s men have won two of three home games since, although the performance in the 3-1 comeback win over Southampton was far from convincing and they needed a stoppage-time winner from Bruno Fernandes to beat Rangers on Thursday after conceding an 88th minute equalizer.
Malacia said United must show more of the attitude that was seen against Arsenal as they return to the capital on Sunday to face Fulham in the Premier League.
“We got the win and played with 10 men,” he said. “It was tough for everyone, but I think you could see in the game that we played as a team. Everyone was fighting to win and we finally got the reward.
“I enjoyed it because the fans always give you an extra boost because, of course, you could see everyone was tired but, because our fans were there for us, it gives you an extra boost extra to leave.”
