Tyrell Malacia is set to start his first game for Manchester United in 550 days against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
The 25-year-old left-back has spent the best part of 18 months sidelined after undergoing surgeries on a knee injury.
Malacia returned to United’s matchday squad for the first time in Ruben Amorim’s opening game in charge against Ipswich Town on Sunday.
The Netherlands international played 45 minutes for the under-21s in an EFL Trophy defeat to Huddersfield Town earlier this month.
Malacia’s start against Bodo/Glimt will be his first competitive minutes for United’s first team since the final game of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
United have been without a recognised left-back for much of the time since, with Luke Shaw also spending long periods out through injury.
Amorim’s side currently sit 18th in the Europa League standings after winning only one of their opening four games, beating PAOK at Old Trafford earlier this month.
Earlier this month in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Malacia spoke on his return to fitness and revealed that he wants to give back to United fans for their support during his recovery.
He said: “(To show) that everything is possible in life… that even (with) bad things in life, you shouldn’t see it as a bad thing. See it as a lesson and outgrow it.
“Especially sometimes when I left the club, the people outside waiting there were always positive — especially the kids. They give me a lot of energy, always saying we want to see you back.
“That just makes me happy and gives me my drive every time. I’m not going to disappoint them.”
(Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
