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Tyrell Malacia lifts the lid on Ten Hag hope after Man Utd move

Tyrell Malacia, Erik ten Hag
© Manchester United FC
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The Netherlands international has been confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s first signing at Old Trafford.

Tyrell Malacia has revealed he hopes to work under Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ‘for many years’ after completing his transfer from Feyenoord.

Malacia has joined Manchester United on an initial four-year contract, with the option to extend for a further 12 months, after the club hijacked Lyon’s attempt to sign him at the last minute.

 The 22-year-old Dutchman underwent the second part of his medical on Monday in Carrington and has agreed on personal terms. Manchester United might pay up to €17 million for a transfer fee, €15 million upfront plus a further €2 million in potential add-ons. He becomes Ten Hag’s first signing since the coach’s arrival from Ajax this summer.

‘I can learn a lot from him’

Now, in an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf before official confirmation of his transfer, Tyrell Malacia spoke of his excitement about working with Ten Hag.

“Ten Hag is a very good coach and also a warm person, so I had a good conversation with him and I have a very good connection with him,” the Netherlands international said.

“That’s important because if all goes well we’ll be working together for many years. I’m looking forward to that because I think I can learn a lot from him. He has a record for improving players individually, as long as they are prepared to work hard.”

Malacia also revealed that he has always followed the Red Devils, having watched former Feyenoord striker Robin van Persie at the club.

He added: “In the youth of Feyenoord, we played a youth tournament at Manchester United and I said: I will come back here one day. That has now come true and that is of course wonderful!”

“I always followed them [Man Utd] because Robin van Persie played there as a Feyenoord player. That’s why I got an extra feeling with that.”

Malacia will arrive at Old Trafford to compete with Luke Shaw and Alex Telles for the left-back position.

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