Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal played current Red Devil Tyrell Malacia in a new position, much to the dismay of the full-back.
Van Gaal who led United from 2014 to 2016 now manages the Netherlands after taking a five-year break.
In their final game ahead of Qatar 2022, the Netherlands won 1-0 against neighbours Belgium thanks to a Virgil van Dijk header, and the Liverpool man had a new colleague in his back three.
Where Did Van Gaal Play Malacia?
Malacia, who joined United from Feyenoord for £13million during the summer, has revitalised Erik ten Hag’s Premier League side since filling in for Luke Shaw at left back.
However, Van Gaal decided to use him differently in the Belgium match. He brought on the 23-year-old on as a centre back at half time in place of Manchester City’s Nathan Ake.
“I went two or three times too much forward,” Malacia said post-match, via the Daily Mail. “That is not possible in this position as quickly. But I was corrected by others.
🚨🇳🇱 Malacia: “It was completely different. I prefer to play in my position. That’s where I’m doing well and that’s where I feel the best, but if the coach needs me as a defender center, I’m ready.” #MUFC ✅ pic.twitter.com/pQ7Wu1kPuR
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) September 26, 2022
“I didn’t agree with it at the time, yes. That’s right. After the game we talked about that moment for a while and then it was over.
“I’m comfortable with United at the moment. The national coach thinks that I should also be able to play in the centre of the defence. But I feel best on the left.”
Meanwhile, Van Gaal said after the match: “I put Malacia in the left centre-back role because [Bruno] Martins Indi is not going to make it to the World Cup squad in time due to injury.
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“I have to look at other players who can play there and I wanted to see what Malacia could do, so [Nathan] Ake was substituted.
“The defensive work he did very well, but the constructive work in the build-up could have been a lot better.”
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