Erik Ten Hag Target Accidentally Confirms He Is Joining Manchester United

Tyrell Malacia will be joining Manchester United this week as Erik ten Hag’s first signing as widely reported, and now the player has confirmed this news in an interview.

Signing of a fee reported to be just shy of £15 million from Feyenoord, Malacia has already completed his medical tests and the club are expected to announce his signing before they fly to Bangkok on Friday for pre-season.

In an interview with De Telegraaf, Malacia said, "In the youth of Feyenoord we played a youth tournament at Manchester United and I said: I will come back here one day. That has now come true and that is of course wonderful!"

Continuing to speak on the club and his idols, the young left-back detailed, "I always followed Manchester United because Robin van Persie played there as a Feyenoord player. That's why I got an extra feeling with that."

Tyrell Malacia is familiar with Erik ten Hag. He has played against his Ajax sides before, and clearly impressed Ten Hag enough for the manager to want to sign him at Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag. (Alamy)

"Mr Ten Hag is a very good trainer and also a warm person,” Malacia proclaimed. “So I had a good conversation with him and I have a very good feeling with him.

"That's important (having good conversations with Ten Hag), 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 is well aware of the stature of Manchester United. As a young player, coming from the Dutch divisions to a club such as Manchester United can sometimes bring unprecedented challenges and pressure, such as what Memphis Depay found out after his transfer from PSV to the Red Devils.

Memphis eventually left the club after a few seasons to revive his career at French side Lyon, and then to where he currently plays in Barcelona.

Malacia is under no illusion at the size of Manchester United: "Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I am proud but also very grateful that I get this opportunity. I understand that the work on an even higher level only begins now.

"Becoming better every day and showing at this level that you can measure up. I have worked hard all my career and this is a reward for that, for me and for all the people who have always supported me and believed in me."

As mentioned before, Tyrell Malacia revealed that before signing for the club, he spoke to Robin van Persie; however he also spoke to his former team-mate and current academy player Tahith Chong, who he played alongside at Feyenoord’s academy.

"I talked to Robin van Persie about Manchester United and the city - about places to live. Also through my childhood friend Tahith Chong, with whom I played at Feyenoord, I have heard a lot."

Malacia is incredibly grateful for his time at Feyenoord and how the club have supported him, but is incredibly excited for the challenge that awaits him in England.

"I want to reach the highest level so there comes a moment when you have to say goodbye - I will never forget what I owe to Feyenoord. But I love the experience in the stadiums in England. It will be fantastic and I can’t wait.

"I also feel the tempo and the spirit in the matches will suit my game,” Malacia continued. “And just look at all the fantastic footballers in the Premier League: Ronaldo, De Bruyne, Salah - and in the past people like Henry, Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy."

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during a Premier League match. (Alamy)

Tyrell Malacia is expected to be announced as Erik ten Hag’s first club signing this week – and Christian Eriksen is expected to follow shortly after.

The Dane has agreed in principle to sign for the Red Devils on a free transfer, with only medicals needing to be completed before the signing is made official.

Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez are two more signings that are edging closer to completion as Ten Hag looks to add up to five signings ahead of a new era at Manchester United, however Barcelona president Laporta claimed the other day that De Jong is not for sale, despite many reports saying an initial fee has been agreed for the player.