The Dutch left-back, who joined United from Feyenoord in the summer of 2022, experienced a tumultuous period marked by injuries and limited playing opportunities.
Malacia’s initial season with the Red Devils showed promise, but a severe knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2023/24 campaign. Upon his return to fitness in November 2024, he found himself on the periphery of the squad, making only a handful of appearances under then-manager Erik ten Hag. The subsequent arrival of Ruben Amorim as United’s head coach did little to improve his prospects, especially with the signing of Danish full-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, which further limited Malacia’s chances of first-team action.
In a bid to rejuvenate his career, Malacia secured a loan move to PSV Eindhoven for the remainder of the season. Reflecting on his time in England, he drew parallels between the struggles faced by both Manchester United and PSV, stating, “I don’t know if you’ve watched football, but where I was in England it wasn’t going well either. I try to give energy to the team.”
Malacia’s departure from Manchester was not without its complications. A proposed loan move to Benfica collapsed at the eleventh hour due to disagreements over the loan fee and purchase option, leading to an awkward situation where Malacia had already bid farewell to his United teammates. Despite this setback, the opportunity with PSV materialized, offering him a platform to regain his form and confidence.
Upon making his debut for PSV in a 1-1 draw against Willem II, Malacia expressed both satisfaction and determination. He acknowledged the warm reception from fans and teammates but was critical of the team’s overall performance, emphasizing the need for a higher tempo and more decisive play, especially with a crucial Champions League play-off against Juventus on the horizon.
Malacia’s journey underscores the unpredictable nature of a footballer’s career. From the highs of signing with a Premier League giant to the lows of injury setbacks and limited playtime, his resilience and commitment to rediscovering his best form remain evident. As he embarks on this new chapter with PSV, both the club and its supporters will be eager to see Malacia make a significant impact on the pitch.
