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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Tyrell Malacia reveals the secret to Erik ten Hag's matchday planning at Manchester United

Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has praised Reds manager Erik ten Hag for his attention to detail amid the Dutchman's impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag has galvanised United since joining the club from Ajax in the summer, with his side currently the only top-flight team in England still competing on all four fronts. United look well-placed to secure a top-four finish, while the Reds are also into the Carabao Cup final and still competing in the FA Cup and Europa League.

United made a nightmare start to the campaign - losing to Brighton and Brentford respectively - but they have performed well in recent months and currently sit just two points behind rivals Manchester City in the Premier League table. The Reds have a five-point lead over Newcastle, albeit with the Magpies having a game in hand.

ALSO READ: Carabao Cup final referee and VAR announced for Man United vs Newcastle

Since Ten Hag was appointed manager, left-back Malacia has made 25 appearances for the club. The summer arrival, who signed from Feyenoord, featured heavily in the early parts of the campaign but lost his place to England international Luke Shaw. Despite this, he has still been full of praise for his boss and lauded his compatriot's attention to detail.

"He is very detailed, he pays attention to the small points. Every day developing the team," he told ViaPlay, as per Voetbal International. "If we have had a late game and come to the club late, when everyone has gone home, he goes to his to review the game to have an analysis ready for us for next day.

"He is always on it. He loves the game."

Malacia could feature for United in the Europa League play-off clash with Barcelona on Thursday night, with Lisandro Martinez suspended for the first leg. The centre-back was booked three times in the group stage. Meanwhile, midfielder Casemiro is available, despite being in the middle of a domestic ban following his red card against Crystal Palace.

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