- A Manchester United’s potential loan move to Benfica is now off
- The defender, who said his farewells to team-mates, could still leave United
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Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia’s loan move to Benfica is now off.
Malacia had been set to join the Portuguese club, but Benfica weren’t able to agree to the loan fee and buy option terms that United had demanded.
The Dutchman had already said his farewells to his team-mates at Carrington.
United are exploring alternative options, with plenty of clubs interested in the left-back. Real Betis and Celtic are amongst the teams that have monitored Malacia.
Malacia has endured much misfortune with injury during his time at United and has made just 47 appearances for the club since joining in 2022.
The 25-year-old’s contract at United runs until the summer of 2026 but he is likely to depart.
Malacia has featured just three times for United in the Premier League this season.
He started his career at Feyenoord and has nine caps for the Netherlands but hasn’t featured for his country since 2023.
Malacia is set to follow Marcus Rashford by leaving Old Trafford on a temporary basis.
Rashford has bid farewell to his United team-mates ahead of his loan move to Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has agreed personal terms with Villa.
Villa boss Unai Emery is eager to add to his attacking options following Jhon Duran’s £65million move to Al-Nassr.
Rashford, who fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim, is set to complete his loan move to Villa within the next 24 hours.
The forward’s wages of about £350,000 are well in excess of the salary of Villa’s top earner, thought to be Emi Martinez.
It is understood Villa will contribute 70 per cent of Rashford’s salary plus performance-based clauses. The package will include bonuses for Champions League progress and qualification. The agreement is also set to include a buy option at the end of the season.
In total Rashford has made 426 appearances for United and has scored 138 goals.
He hasn’t played for United since the Europa League game against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
United have also secured the signing of young centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
