The Netherlands international has not played a minute since the 2022/23 season for the Red Devils. He underwent a knee surgery last summer and has yet to fully recover from the same.

Malacia was spotted working individually back in July and Ten Hag has now revealed that he is expected to return to team training soon, he said:

"Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.

"Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment.

"He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural.

"I expect also, soon, he can return into games then."

United will be without Luke Shaw for the upcoming visit of the Saints, but the left-back is close to returning to the team after a calf issue.

Rasmus Hojlund is likewise in a similar situation. He has overcome a hamstring injury, but United don't want to rush him back.

Despite their absence, United are strong favourites to beat the Saints. The club must win as they are already four points behind the top four.

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