Awaiting Medical – Tyrell Malacia reveals talks with Robin van Persie over Man United transfer as medical date reschedule

After agreeing on a €17 million (£14.5 million) agreement with Feyenoord, the 22-year-old is set to become United’s first signing under Erik ten Hag.

Malacia was on his way to Lyon before United snatched him up last month.

And the Dutch defender admits that Van Persie’s connection with the club aided his desire to join United instead.

‘I used to watch Manchester United because Robin van Persie, a Feyenoord player, played there.’ That’s why I had an extra feeling about it,’ Malacia explained to De Telegraaf.

‘When the Feyenoord youth squad played a tournament at United, I told myself, ‘I’ll come back here one day.’ That has now become a reality, which is amazing.’

Malacia also said that he discussed the transfer to Old Trafford with his childhood friend Chong, who went from Feyenoord to United in 2016.

‘I’ve only recently arrived at this level, so I have yet to demonstrate anything, but I want to attain the maximum level and go for it.’ ‘And I believe I can do it,’ added the defender.

‘Mr. Ten Hag is a really skilled trainer and also a very nice person, so we had a fantastic talk and I have a good feeling about him.’

‘That’s significant because, if everything goes well, we’ll be working together for years.’

‘I’m looking forward to it because I believe I can learn a lot from him; he motivates players to work hard.’