Netherlands suffered a dramatic penalty shootout loss in the World Cup quarter-finals to Argentina.
Their elimination sends home their one Manchester United representative – Tyrell Malacia.
Being part of the Oranje squad in Qatar will have been a proud experience for the United star – but also a bittersweet one.
Malacia did not play a single minute at the tournament, overlooked throughout by manager Louis van Gaal with Daley Blind preferred.
Malacia should be pushing for fast-track return
Malacia’s lack of game time could work to his advantage from a club football perspective.
The Dutchman will be fresh, while in peak condition, and desperate to get onto the pitch and show what he can do.
There is a very real chance he is fast-tracked back to play in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup tie against Burnley – in fact he should be pushing for it.
Malacia doesn’t need rest, he should be tired of missing game time. He could even use this to gain a headstart on Luke Shaw.
Shaw was eliminated 24 hours later with England, but the difference is he started all five games at for World Cup for the Three Lions.
While Luke Shaw can still target a return to action in the Premier League on December 27, he will probably take the extra days rest and not start in the Carabao Cup on December 21.
This is a rest which Malacia does not need, and he should be telling Erik ten Hag he is fit and mentally ready to play.
Brandon Williams had seemed in line to play both fixtures, if both of Shaw and Malacia had reached the World Cup semi-finals and extended their stay in Qatar.
But their double elimination now means Williams could be moved aside.
Williams made his return from injury in United’s friendly matches with Cadiz and Real Betis, and understandably looked to be lacking in sharpness.
Erik ten Hag would surely be delighted if summer signing Tyrell Malacia declares himself available straight away.
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