Marcus Rashford reacts as Tyrell Malacia makes long-awaited Manchester United comeback | OneFootball

Defender ends 17-month injury hell by making return in EFL Trophy

Marcus Rashford was delighted to see Tyrell Malacia return for Manchester United during Wednesday night’s EFL Trophy clash against Huddersfield.

Malacia had not played since appearing in the Nations League final defeat for the Netherlands against Croatia in the summer of 2023.

The 25-year-old has since undergone two knee injuries but was recently pictured back in training at Carrington and stepped up his return from injury by playing for 45 minutes at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Manchester United’s official Instagram account posted an image of the defender in action captioned: “SO good to see you back out there, Ty.”

Rashford responded with the message: “Twinnn” and accompanied it with three love heart emojis.

It remains to be seen if Malacia can force his way back into the first-team following the arrival of Ruben Amorim.

After bidding a final farewell to Sporting with a thrilling 4-2 win at Braga, the 39-year-old started work at United on Monday after leaving Lisbon to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Amorim jetted into Manchester and headed straight to the training ground, where he was met outside the men's first-team building by chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

New era: Ruben Amorim is now through the door at Manchester United

Manchester United via Getty Images

A day later and the Portuguese, unable to lead coaching sessions until his work permit is granted, was on hand to introduce himself to the players that had not jetted off on international duty.

Pictures on United's social media platforms showed Amorim embracing the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw, as well as laughing with Leny Yoro, with the quartet all working their way back to fitness after injuries.

United announced on Monday that interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy would not be part of Amorim's backroom staff, departing the club alongside first-team coaches Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel.