Tyrell Malacia Reveals He Spoke To Man United Legend Ahead Of Completing Transfer

The 22-year-old, who was attracting interest from Lyon before Man United hijacked the deal, talked up the influence of Van Persie following his unveiling. 

He said he consulted with the forward about his experience in Manchester and also communicated with fellow countryman Tahith Chong​.

"I always followed Manchester United because Robin van Persie, who was a Feyenoord player, played there. That’s why I got an extra feeling with that," he told De Telegraaf.​​

"In the Feyenoord youth team, we played a tournament at United and I said, 'I will come back here one day'. That has now come true and that is wonderful, of course​

"I’ve only just come to this level so I have yet to show it all, but I want to reach the highest level and go for it. And I think I can do it, yes."

Malacia added:​ "Mr. Ten Hag is a very good trainer and also a warm person, so I had a good conversation with him and I have a very good feeling with him.

"That’s important, because if all goes well, we’ll work together for years.

"I’m looking forward to that, because I think I can learn a lot from him, he makes players who want to work hard better."

Malacia ​made a name for himself in the Eredivisie last season and became known for his speed and ability to attack space. 

Ten Hag scouted the youngster as Ajax head coach and finally gets the player at Man United ahead of the new season. 

Man United will pay Feyenoord an initial £13 million, with a further £1.7 million in add-ons.