"Bro been hitting gym" - Manchester United fans stunned by star's physique on long-awaited return to training

Tyrell Malacia has returned to team training after spending over a year out injured. The Dutch defender last appeared in Manchester United's final game of the 2022-23 campaign.
Erik ten Hag has welcomed a long-term absentee back
Erik ten Hag has welcomed a long-term absentee back / Visionhaus/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

Tyrell Malacia made a surprise appearance in first-team training with Manchester United on Friday (September 20) and is on course to return to action. The energetic left-back missed the whole of last season due to a serious knee injury.

Malacia, 25, took part in the warm-up before undergoing individual training. He was welcomed back by teammates who hilariously gave him a guard of honor, almost as if they were celebrating a new signing.

The Dutchman's return comes at a vital time for Manchester United as Luke Shaw is still out injured. Erik ten Hag has opted to use Diogo Dalot as a makeshift left-back to deal with his two left-backs' injury issues.

Malacia became a fan favorite during his debut season at Old Trafford after arriving from Eredivisie giants Fenerbahce for £13 million in July 2022. He's since made 39 appearances for the Red Devils.

Manchester United fans taken aback by Tyrell Malacia's physique

Fans were quick to notice Malacia's new physique upon his return to training with Manchester United. They hailed the Netherlands international on X with one fan writing:

"Bro been hitting gym properly. Pray for strikers."

Another fan echoed those sentiments by suggesting Marcus Rashford will b

"Rashford is definitely going on a mad run now."

One fan hilariously suggested Malacia will be shocked at the coaching team changes:

"Malacia when he sees Benni McCarthy left and Ruud Van Nistelrooy as the new assistant manager and we've signed Zirkzee and De Ligt."

Another fan noticed Malacia's tattoos:

"Last time he played he didn’t have tattoos?"

Will Tyrell Malacia be available for Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace?

Malacia won't be appearing in Manchester United's clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday (September 21). The Dutchman's recovery is going to be handled carefully after spending a such a lengthy period on the sidelines.

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park looking to build on wins over Southampton (3-0) in the league and Barnsley (7-0) in the Carabao Cup. We sit 10th in the league and have won two and lost two of our opening four Premier League games.

Malacia could be looking at a return in October given the recovery process that he'd undertaking. He was included in United's Europa League squad and Ten Hag's side face Eredivisie outfit FC Twente next Wednesday (September 25).

ALSO READ: Team News Ahead of Crystal Palace
ALSO READ: Everything Manchester United did right against Barnsley