Breaking News: Marcus Rashford makes feelings clear as Man Utd star proves Ruud van Nistelrooy right

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s prediction has come true (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

After 17 arduous months, Tyrell Malacia, Marcus Rashford’s close friend and Manchester United teammate, returned to competitive action on Tuesday by playing for their under-21 squad.

After Tyrell Malacia of Manchester United made his much anticipated return after 17 months of injury suffering, Marcus Rashford was overjoyed and wrote him a note.

Dutch left-back Malacia played 45 minutes in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy match against Huddersfield Town, marking his comeback to action for United’s under-21 team. The former Feyenoord defender looked sharp and spoke up in a youthful backline during Malacia’s time on the pitch, but the Red Devils ultimately fell 4-1.

Malacia had not participated in a competitive game since June 2023, when he appeared for the Netherlands in their loss to Croatia in the Nations League semifinals. After undergoing knee surgery, the 25-year-old experienced a number of complications and required another surgery.

After being signed for an initial £13 million in 2022, his extended absence prevented him from playing under Erik ten Hag once again prior to his dismissal. Harry Amass’s prearranged halftime substitute ended Malacia’s comeback, and he was then showered with applause from teammates and supporters, including Rashford.

An shot of the Netherlands international returning in action was shared on United’s official Instagram account, with the message, “SO good to see you back out there, Ty.”

Rashford, who is close friends with Malacia, responded in the comments area with the words “Twinnn” and three loving emojis. On his Instagram account, Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes also said, “Happy to see you back.”

“Tyrell is the furthest [along the road to recovery] in the moment – he’s [been] part of team training for a couple of weeks now, full in team training, no restrictions,” said interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had previously projected that Malacia would return in the under-21s. He should therefore schedule game time, perhaps for the under-21 team. We must observe.

Malacia may be selected as left-back in the upcoming weeks since Ruben Amorim took over after Ten Hag left and Luke Shaw is still injured. It seems improbable, though, that the Dutchman will be able to start Amorim’s opening match against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

Malacia made 39 appearances for United in the 2022–2023 season after leaving Feyenoord. Shaw’s stellar start at Old Trafford spurred him to play better, and he finally reclaimed the left-back position as the Red Devils had a far better season than this one.