MALACIA: I GAVE ANTONY A KICKING, SO HE LAMPED ME
TYRELL MALACIA can laugh about the time he gave new Manchester United team-mate Antony a kicking – and got punched in the face for his trouble.
It was Malacia’s uncompromising performances for Feyenoord in classic games against Ajax that caught Erik ten Hag’s eye and prompted him to make him his first signing at Old Trafford.
And it is why the £13million leftback will be one of the first names on his teamsheet when United face bitter rivals City today. “I know I am not the tallest player, but people forget I am from Zuid,” said 5ft 7in Malacia, referring to tough streets in southern Rotterdam that have given him his edge.
“In Zuid, we take care of our own business and fight our own battles.
“Ten Hag recognised that. When it was clear that Antony’s transfer to United was on and he was expected to come into the squad, the gaffer spoke to me about him.
“It was just before Antony’s first training session at United. He said, ‘Please go easy on him, no more rough stuff!’.
“On the streets of Zuid, I played many football games that ended in fights, but that was the way it was.
“Playing on the streets of Rotterdam, at the De Kuip Stadium or Old Trafford, I just love a battle.”
Antony escaped with a yellow card for responding to that rough stuff dished out to him by Malacia back in Holland.
Since those days, Malacia has used the services of personal trainer Jordan Kroon to beef
himself up for the physical demands of the Premier League.
And he feels the extra sessions are helping him to punch above his weight and prove wrong doubters who felt his time at Old Trafford would be spent on the bench.
Malacia said: “Jordan sends me schedules every week and I follow them all. If I want to be a winner in the Premier League, I have to do it.
“I have discovered there is not a single game where you play at just 60 per cent of your potential.
“That was possible in Holland in some games. Not here. In England, I play two finals every week. That’s the way I approach it. This really is another level, but this is all I ever wanted. I was ready for it.”
Malacia pulled out of a deal to join French club Lyon when United came in. He added: “I have not spoken to Lyon since. I am at United – that is all that matters.
“I always dreamt of the Premier League, so when Manchester made an offer, I knew I wanted to join.
“A lot of people thought I’d end up on the bench because United had an England international in Luke Shaw and a Brazilian international in Alex Telles.
“I also knew that people would judge me because I was the cheapest player this summer.
“But when you perform and do the business on the pitch, it shuts them all up.
“I knew I could get into the team. I believed in my ability because I know how to fight for my future.
“I have never had it easy. I have had to overcome big setbacks and deal with disappointments.”