‘To Manchester United fans, you are getting a very talented full-back’: Former Red Devils star Robin van Persie heaps praise on Tyrell Malacia after the Dutch defender completed £14.6m move from Feyenoord to kick off Erik ten Hag era
- Tyrell Malacia is first signing by new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
- His arrival was approved by his former Feyenoord team-mate Robin van Persie
- Van Persie is an old favourite at United having signed for the club 10 years ago
- He posted a Twitter message assuring United fans of Malacia’s quality
Manchester United’s revolution finally got underway on Tuesday when the club confirmed its first summer signing with the £14.6million capture of Tyrell Malacia.
The left-back has arrived from Feyenoord and marks the first transfer under new boss Erik Ten Hag who will be looking to guide the Red Devils back into the Champions League next season.
United fans are sure to be excited at the arrival of the Holland international, who has been congratulated to his move by a former United and Feyenoord favourite Robin van Persie.
Manchester United’s new signing Tyrell Malacia (left) has been congratulated on his arrival at the club for former Red Devils and Feyenoord favourite Robin van Persie
The Dutchman, whose career was bookended with spells at the Rotterdam outfit, joined the Red Devils for the 2012-13 season from Arsenal and his 26 goals helped fire United to their last league title won during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year in charge.
Van Persie ended his career with Feyenoord after two seasons in 2019, which overlapped with Malacia’s first two years as a professional at the Dutch outfit.
The former striker took to Twitter on Tuesday, in a video also tweeted by Feyenoord’s official account, wishing the 22-year-old the best of luck at Old Trafford as well as assuring Red Devils fans their club had made an excellent signing.
‘Hi Tyrell, it’s Robin here, I would like to congratulate you on your fantastic move to Manchester United,’ Van Persie said in a video message posted on Twitter. ‘On this big moment in your career.
Malacia beams a smile as he pens a Manchester United contract until the summer of 2026
The signing marks the first confirmed transfer under new United manager Erik ten Hag (left)
‘You’ve shown that with self-belief, lots of talent and hard work day in, day out, and I’ve seen that from close by, that dreams come true. So to all Red Devils fans, you’re not only getting a very talented full-back but as well a fantastic person.
‘Be nice to him, support him, through good times and bad times, he will give absolutely everything for you guys. So I’m sure it will be a great connection together.
‘On behalf of all Feyenoord fans and Feyenoord people, thanks Tyrell for what you’ve done and for all these years from a young kid when you arrived in the youth academy up until now upon this fantastic moment. You are a true example for the next generation.
‘So thank you very much for all your effort and all you’ve done for our club and I wish you all the very best. Good luck, man.’
Malacia arrives at United as a full-back hoping to guide the club back into the top four
Van Persie then added in a tweet: ‘Congrats on this fantastic move @T_Malacia! 100% deserved, hard work pays off! To all @ManUtd fans, I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching Tyrell represent this great club. A huge talent with great fighting spirit – I’m certain he’ll be a good fit.’
The 22-year-old Holland left back has spent the last two days undergoing a medical at the club’s Carrington training base, and United confirmed that he has signed a four-year deal.
A statement read: ‘Manchester United is please to confirm that Tyrell Malacia has joined the club, signing a contract until June 2026 with the option to extend for a further year.’
Malacia is United’s first recruit under Ten Hag and he will join in time to go on a pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday.
Red Devils fans will hope the Holland international can make a major impact on the first team
Malacia, who has made 136 appearances for Feyenoord and five for Holland, said: ‘It’s an incredible feeling to have joined Manchester United. This is a new chapter for me, a new league with new team-mates and a tremendous manager leading us.
‘I know from playing against his teams in the Eredivisie, the qualities that he has and what he demands of his players.
‘Whilst I know that I am still young and will continue to develop, I can promise the United fans that I will leave everything on the pitch every time I pull on the red shirt.
‘I’ll always be thankful to Feyenoord for all they have given to me and my family. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for them.
‘Now I’m ready to focus on the future with United, and help my new club achieve success.’
Malacia was pictured with a big smile as he signed his contract alongside Ten Hag, who will be relieved to finally have his first signing secured in the week of the squad jetting off for their pre-season tour.
