Manchester United have added a surprise player to their Premier League squad for the 2025/26 season.
Manchester United Register Tyrell Malacia in Premier League Squad Despite Pre-Season Exile
Premier League clubs were required to submit their squads by September 12, with each list needing at least eight homegrown players. Manchester United confirmed a 21-man senior squad, leaving one slot unfilled as they named only seven homegrown players: Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Rhys Bennett, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Amad.
Several young talents, including Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, and Kobbie Mainoo, were not registered since they qualify under the under-21 rule. But it was the inclusion of Tyrell Malacia that sparked surprise among supporters.
The Dutch left-back was part of United’s so-called “bomb squad” during pre-season, one of five players effectively barred from training with the main squad until evenings. Alongside Jadon Sancho, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, Malacia had been told he had no future at Old Trafford. However, while the other four secured moves away before the transfer deadline, Malacia remained.
A loan to La Liga side Elche collapsed on deadline day, and reports suggest the 27-year-old was reluctant to pursue interest from Turkish side Eyupspor. With the Saudi Pro League window—his final option this year—set to close on September 23, Malacia appears likely to stay until January at least.
As a result, United and manager Ruben Amorim have reinstated Malacia into the first-team squad, though his role remains uncertain. Dorgu is firmly established as first-choice at left wing-back, while 18-year-old Diego Leon has also been involved in training and pre-season games. Additionally, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can both cover on the left if required.
Fans reacted with mixed opinions online. One questioned, “What’s the point of adding Malacia into the squad?” Another wrote, “He’s number five in the pecking order. It doesn’t look good for him.” Others were more pragmatic, with one supporter suggesting, “I’m not mad at this. Dorgu still hasn’t locked down the position.”
For now, Malacia’s future remains uncertain, but his registration ensures he is eligible should United call upon him before January.
