UNITED: MALACIA WANTS TO EMULATE EVRA

New Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia is hoping to emulate and surpass the achievements of club legend Patrice Evra. The Dutch international talked about his quest to match Patrice Evraand also surpass him during his first interviewas a Manchester United player.

Malacia, 22, was on his way to French club Lyon before the transfer was hijacked by Manchester United this month at the request of new manager Erik Ten Hag. The Dutchman was signed from Feyenoord in a deal worth £13m plus £2m in add-ons. He’s the first signing of the Ten Hag era at Manchester United.

New Manchester United signing Malacia came through the Feyenoord academy before making his professional debut for the club. He played 136 times for Feyenoord before his transfer to Manchester United was confirmed. Malacia is already a Dutch international having played five times for his country. He was an important player for Feyenoord as they went all the way to the UEFA Europa Conference League final last season before they were beaten 1-0 by Italian team AS Roma courtesy the first half strike from NicoloZaniolo. At Feyenoord, he won two cups. The new Manchester United player faces a thrilling battle with Luke Shaw, Alvaro Fernandez, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams.

In his first interview with the official Manchester United website, Malacia was asked if he admired any former player while growing up and his answer was Patrice Evra. According to him, he loved the style of the Frenchman and that he was fast and energetic. When asked about the trophy-laden time Evra enjoyed at the club, his response would have delighted the Manchester United fans as he displayed his strong character and winning mentality. Malaciasaid he wants to do even better than Patrice Evra who won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Club World Cup and the Champions League at the Theatre of Dreams.