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Man Utd's transfer business reportedly left members of the Wales national team 'astonished' as pressure continues to mount on Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag took over United in May 2022 and made full-back Tyrell Malacia his first signing, to the surprise of many.
United already had Luke Shaw as a first-choice in that position, and Malacia looked to be joining French outfit Lyon.
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The club decided to swoop in at the last second and seal a £14.7 million deal. It's now emerged that the 24-year-old's move was questioned by those who'd played against him just weeks prior.
Per The Athletic, Wales faced the Netherlands in two Nations League games and based pre-match preparations on Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson attacking down the right wing.
He was against Malacia directly, who was described as having a 'lack of physical presence'.
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Wales would end up losing both games 2-1 and 3-2 respectively, although Johnson managed to get on the scoresheet in the latter.
Malacia has not played a game for United this season as he recovers from a knee injury.
His last appearance came in a 2-1 win over Fulham back in May.
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Malacia's absence and long-term injury to Luke Shaw saw United dip into the loan market and sign Sergio Reguilon on loan as an emergency left-back.
The Red Devils have been ravaged by injury at the back, with centre-back Lisandro Martinez out until the new year.
Jonny Evans came off injured in Wednesday's 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof recently returned from a hamstring issue and illness.
United are currently eighth in the Premier League table following their worst start to a campaign in six decades.
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Wednesday's loss out in Denmark leaves United needing two wins against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League last 16.
They return to domestic action against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Tyrell Malacia, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag