Joshua Zirkzee launches passionate Tyrell Malacia plea as exit is confirmed | OneFootball

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has made an emotional plea regarding Tyrell Malacia following confirmation that his time at the club has come to an end.

Exit confirmed

Over the weekend, United announced that Malacia will leave at the end of the season once his contract expires.

Malacia joined United from Feyenoord in July 2022, arriving as Erik ten Hag’s first signing. He has amassed 49 appearances for the Red Devils.

His club career has been badly disrupted by injuries, most notably a 17-month layoff after two separate knee operations.

When he returned to action in November 2024, Ten Hag had been sacked and replaced by Ruben Amorim. The Dutch defender struggled to nail down a spot in Amorim’s plans, prompting the club to loan him out to PSV Eindhoven.

He didn’t pull up any trees at PSV, who opted not to keep him. United attempted to offload Malacia last summer but a transfer failed to materialise.

Malacia has made two appearances this season, both against Newcastle, as a late substitute in the home and away fixtures.

After the final whistle against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Michael Carrick invited the home crowd to applaud Malacia and appreciate him for his service to the club. He was also presented with a framed shirt as a token of appreciation.

Speaking to club media, Zirkzee called for Malacia to be shown the utmost respect for what he has endured in his career, and coming through the other side.

Zirkzee’s Malacia plea

Zirkzee said, “I am very happy [Malacia came back into the squad]. Ty has been going through a phase where I think a lot of other people would have really struggled.”

“I’ve got the utmost respect for him and the way he has handled it. You know, he’s obviously been injured and was out of the squad but he always kept working, always stayed humble and always, you know, just kept believing. For him to be back in the squad, I was very happy for him. I was very, very happy for him.”

The forward continued, “As soon as he hits the pitch, you can expect 110 per cent. You know that is what he is going to show. It’s just the way he is. He doesn’t give up.”

“He’s a pitbull, you know. I’ve known him ever since I was like 16, and that’s just what he’s known for. He just keeps going and he’s never going to give up. I am not too sure if I would have been able to handle it in the way he did. So, as I said, I’ve got the utmost respect for him.”

Zirkzee confirmed that the pair attended the same school in Rotterdam before their reunion in Manchester.

“Yeah, we were in the same school. I mean he’s a couple of years older than me, like one [and three months], but life is crazy.”

Malacia was part of the matchday squad when United won the Carabao Cup in 2023.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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