In the summer of 2022, the Dutch full-back became the first player signed under the Erik ten Hag era. He made an impression in his first season of English football, starting 29 games across all competitions.

He played his final game for the team in May 2023. Due to a serious knee injury that necessitated surgery, he missed the entire 2023–24 season.

Malacia was not part of the United team that traveled to the US for their preseason game, but she was seen returning to first team practice this year.Luke Shaw, who is still eligible to play this season despite having an injury-plagued campaign last season, is another key player at left back who has been missing from the team.

However, according to Voetbal International, Malacia is almost ready to return. Although the match on Saturday against Brentford is scheduled for too soon, he is expected to return to action by the end of October or the start of November.

The schedule indicates potential comebacks on the road against West Ham United on October 27, at home against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on October 30, or on the road against Chelsea on November 3.”Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away,” ten Hag said in a statement last month regarding Malacia.

It has taken him more than a season from injury to return, but he is currently making great progress and is working really hard.

Because of his rapid progress, we believe we can count on him to be a natural talent in the team training. I anticipate that he will be able to play games again shortly.

Diogo Dalot filled in at left-back during this season and for a significant portion of the 2023–24 campaign. But without Noussair Mazraoui, he’ll probably play this weekend on the right, where he belongs more naturally.

Malacia and Shaw might not be ready for the Bees’ visit on Saturday, therefore Jonny Evans or Lisandro Martinez would have to step in.