Transfer meltdown: Wilcox cancels transfer after extraordinary deadline-day drama, player is 'frustrated'

Manchester United have made a truly baffling move on winter transfer deadline day.

With only hours left in the transfer window, clubs across Europe are scrambling to push deals over the line.

One United player desperate for an exit is Tyrell Malacia, who has seen his Old Trafford career stall.

According to Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof, Malacia was on his way to Istanbul but United’s Director of Football Jason Wilcox recalled him.

This unpredictable move has left Malacia ‘frustrated’ as he wanted a transfer to revive his career.

The left-back has made just one appearance for the Red Devils this season.

That sole appearance came as a very late substitute against Newcastle United when United were without seven first-team stars.

Malacia’s current contract at United expires in July, and the club have no interest in extending his deal.

This could have been their final chance to cash in on the player, but it seems that Wilcox changed his mind at the last moment.

We believe that the injury to Patrick Dorgu could have forced the club hierarchy to keep Malacia as an emergency left-back option for another five months.

Luke Shaw remains first choice, with both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui also capable of filling in on the left.

With just 14 matches remaining, United were clearly unwilling to take risks and leave caretaker manager Michael Carrick short of cover.

The club want Carrick to have a deep enough squad to push hard for a UEFA Champions League place.

Malacia was the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era, arriving from Feyenoord for a fee of around £13 million.

However, the 26-year-old never fully fulfilled his potential before being sidelined for more than 500 days with a devastating knee injury.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .