Tyrell Malacia’s performance in the clash between Ajax and Feyenoord in March is the reason Erik ten Hag signed him for Manchester United this summer.
That’s according to former Feyenoord assistant manager Said Bakkati, who has praised the defender following his move to Old Trafford.
Malacia became the first signing of the Ten Hag reign at Manchester United earlier this week, joining in a £14.7m deal from Feyenoord.
The move came as something of a surprise for all involved, with Malacia having been close to a move to Lyon before Manchester United made a late bid for his services.
It remains to be seen if he can be a hit in the Premier League, with the step up from the Eredivisie to England’s top flight a big one that a long list of players have struggled with down the years.
Bakkati isn’t worried, though, and believes Ten Hag has moved for Malacia after being impressed by him in person.
“A good, talented player. He has a good character and always gave one hundred percent in training. A real biter,” he told FR12.nl.
“He could still make progress on the ball, but in the end, he did. He plays more balls forward now, instead of wide or back. He has made great development.
“The most important step he made then is that he became more mature. He performed more consistently; no longer a rated as 9/10 one game and 4/10 the next. That’s an important factor, especially for a defender.
“If a club like that approaches you, you take that step. Then you do not say no. He is lucky that there is a Dutch coach there who uses the same football philosophy.
“I think the second Klassieker of last season convinced Erik ten Hag. Someone who can make things so difficult for Antony and who can keep a close eye on him throughout the match, that’s a player who fits in with Manchester United.”
