Man Utd flop completes surprise MLS transfer: 'Happy to have him'

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Tom Weber | Writer

Former Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia has found a new club after a period of free agency.

Erik ten Hag's first signing as Red Devils manager, big things were expected of the Dutchman when he made the move from boyhood club Feyenoord to Old Trafford for €15 million in 2022.

However, after playing semi-regularly in his first season, Malacia was sidelined by a devastating injury. He missed more than a year of action during which a lot had changed at the club.

By the time he was fit again, Ruben Amorim had replaced Ten Hag, and he made it abundantly clear that Malacia was not in his plans. The Portuguese did not believe that the left-back would fit his back-three system.

And yet, Malacia remained a Man Utd player for four more transfer windows. He failed to secure a transfer after a six-month loan at PSV in the summer of 2025, with proposed moves to Turkey and Spain collapsing, and only left the club when his contract expired this year.

Malacia moves to the United States

Having been a free agent for more than two months, Malacia has now found a new club. The 27-year-old has signed for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer through next year's "sprint season" in the spring.

If he proves a successful signing, Cincinnati can extend his deal for the first full season after the league's shift to a European-style calendar. Malacia has replaced long-forgotten former Chelsea defender Matt Miazga on Cincy's roster.

Like the Dutchman, Miazga has not been the same since suffering a terrible long-term injury. Having endured a hugely disappointing season to date, Miazga's deal was recently terminated, and he is now set to join New York City FC.

The MLS franchise's general manager Chris Albright said of Malacia: "We are excited to add a player of Tyrell's experience. He's played at the highest levels of the game and understands the demands of competing in those environments.

"His quality on the ball, defensive instincts, and team-first mentality is a welcome addition to the group, and we’re happy to have him in Cincinnati."

The Orange and Blue are in the midst of an underwhelming season and currently sit just below the playoff line in the Eastern Conference. A win over the Houston Dynamo this weekend would see them overtake the two New York clubs and move into a postseason spot.

The Red Bulls beat NYCFC 1-0 in the Hudson River derby on Friday, thanks to a goal from new USMNT star Julian Hall.