Patrick Dorgu is on the cusp of joining Manchester United from Leece and is expected to undergo a medical this weekend before completing a £25.2 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons (The Athletic) move. The Danish winger's arrival is vital for several reasons but particularly because the left wing-back area has been one of the team's main issues even before Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November.
Luke Shaw has regularly been on the sidelines and struggled with various injuries - the English left-back is still on the injury table months after playing in Amorim's first game in charge in November. But the one player whose Old Trafford future could be over once Dorgu's move is finalized is Tyrell Malacia.
The Dutch defender has returned from a long absence due to a serious knee injury but has failed to convince Amorim in the game time he's been handed. The 25-year-old hasn't lasted 45 minutes before being brought off and was particularly poor in a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth (December 22).
Tyrell Malacia Could Leave Manchester United
Malacia's future is uncertain heading into the final few days of the January transfer window and the Dutchman could leave on loan before Monday's deadline day (February 3). He started United's Europa League clash with Romanian outfit FCSB on Thursday (January 30).
However, this came amid speculation over a potential loan exit, with Scottish Premiership giants Celtic adding Malacia to their shortlist of potential Kieran Tierney options, per The Daily Mail. The Bhoys want Arsenal's Tierney, whose contract is up at the end of the season, but are willing to turn to the Red Devils' left-back if they fail to sign the Scot.
La Liga outfit Real Betis are also weighing up a loan offer for Malacia which could see him reunite with Antony. The Brazilian winger headed on loan to the Estadio Benito Villamarin last week to try and get his career back on track.
Ruben Amorim's Left Wing-Back Options Put Malacia At Risk
Luke Shaw must have got word of United's move for Dorgu as the England international magically re-appeared in training on the week a deal was agreed with Leece. His absence has been hugely detrimental for Amorim as he'll have been his idea left wing-back and even give the Portuguese options in central defense.
The 29-year-old's return is another problem for Malacia as Amorim could have the experienced Englishman and Dorgu as options at left wing-back. There won't be a need for a left wing-back trio, especially when the head coach has often preferred right-back Diogo Dalot in a makeshift left wing-back role over the Dutchman.
Malacia joined the Red Devils from Eredivisie side Feyenoord in a £13 million deal. He's made 46 appearances for the club but could soon leave at least on loan.