Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has returned to Manchester for evaluation after sustaining a hamstring injury during international duty with the Netherlands, which could worsen the club's left-back shortage, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Malacia was substituted due to injury after approximately 30 minutes during the Netherlands' match against Wales last weekend. He previously suffered a hamstring injury in January, which sidelined him for three months. Another prolonged absence would be problematic for Carrick, who knows Luke Shaw cannot play twice weekly.

Luke Shaw made his return against Fulham after missing three matches before the international break. With a congested fixture schedule ahead, Manchester United will need to manage his workload carefully. Malacia had previously covered for Luke Shaw during his absence. If Malacia is also unavailable for an extended period, Carrick's only replacement options would be Dalot, Mazraoui, or Harry Amass.

Mazraoui could also become unavailable as backup cover. He went down in the 69th minute during Morocco's match against Lesotho on Tuesday, requiring attention, and was subsequently substituted. However, this substitution may have been merely precautionary.

A prolonged absence for Malacia would intensify criticism of Manchester United's failure to sign another left-back during the summer transfer window. After strengthening their midfield, Manchester United hoped to recruit a left-back but ultimately failed to complete a deal, despite being aware that Luke Shaw could not start every match in a season exceeding 60 games.

After missing out on Lewis Hall, Manchester United should have acquired a less expensive left-back. This player may not have been of starting quality, but could at least have provided rotation options. Luke Shaw suffered an injury just three weeks into the season, and now Malacia risks a second potential hamstring injury within nine months, making the left-back problems unsurprising.

Manchester United pursued no further recruitment because the club felt there were no suitable candidates on the market. Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas had a €18 million release clause, but Manchester United apparently was not impressed by him. The club's data department and scouting network should have proposed other viable options; there should have been left-backs available for a reasonable transfer fee.

Manchester United's decision-makers gambled on Luke Shaw and Malacia remaining healthy, but Luke Shaw's injury history is well documented, and Malacia now risks another period of unavailability due to a second hamstring injury.

Wilcox and other members of the recruitment team should feel under pressure. Carrick has certainly made some mistakes this season, but he has undoubtedly lacked sufficient support from the club during the summer transfer window.

Traduit par IA.

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