Tyrell Malacia left stunned as Man United block deadline-day exit

Tyrell Malacia has been left stunned after a planned deadline-day move away from Manchester United collapsed at the final moment, with director Jason Wilcox personally intervening to block the transfer.

The Dutch left-back had been preparing to leave Old Trafford after falling out of favour this season, but according to reports in the Netherlands, United made a late decision to halt his exit despite his lack of involvement under Michael Carrick.

The episode has been described as “bizarre” by sources close to the player, who believed his departure was effectively agreed.

Tyrell Malacia was placed among the group of players sidelined from first-team plans earlier in the season, following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Despite receiving opportunities to leave last summer, the 26-year-old chose to stay and fight for his place.

That decision has not paid off. Malacia has made just one appearance all season — a late substitute outing in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle — and has otherwise been absent from Carrick’s matchday squads.

Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported last week that Malacia was attracting interest from Italy, Major League Soccer and Turkey, with a late-window move increasingly likely.

According to Voetbal International, Malacia had completed most of the groundwork for a transfer to an unnamed mid-table Turkish side and was ready to travel to complete a medical.

However, the deal collapsed dramatically when Jason Wilcox contacted the player moments before departure, informing him that United had changed their stance and wanted him to remain at the club.

Despite not featuring regularly and with no indication of an imminent role under Carrick, United opted to retain the defender, effectively ending his hopes of securing consistent playing time elsewhere this season.

The late intervention has reportedly left Malacia frustrated and confused. He had been enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the Turkish side, where he expected regular minutes in the second half of the campaign.

Journalist Joost Blaauwhof described the situation as a “bizarre deadline day” for the defender, noting that all parties appeared aligned on the move until United’s sudden reversal.

With the transfer window now closed, Malacia remains at Manchester United with limited short-term prospects of first-team football. Whether United’s decision signals a late change in squad planning or simply a reluctance to weaken depth remains unclear. For Malacia, the focus now shifts to regaining trust — or waiting until the summer for a more decisive resolution.