Romano says Malacia is 100% off in 2026 – the writing’s on the Old Trafford wall

Fabrizio Romano has put it in black and white: Tyrell Malacia won’t be sticking around at Manchester United beyond June 2026. The Dutch left-back isn’t expected to be offered fresh terms and, truth be told, the direction of travel has been clear for a while. A long injury lay-off, a loan back home and the rise of a new first-choice in his position – it all adds up to an inevitable parting.

Romano’s verdict: departure is inevitable

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said Malacia won’t sign a new deal and will be gone when his current contract runs down – “100%”. In short, United are preparing for life after Malacia, and the player is preparing for life after United. No drama, just a clean exit at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

How we got here

Malacia’s United story has been stop-start. Erik ten Hag’s first signing in 2022, he’s clocked just 47 appearances since arriving from Feyenoord. A serious knee injury wiped out the entire 2023/24 season and kept him sidelined for the best part of 18 months, only rejoining the first-team group in November last year.

He managed eight outings for Ruben Amorim’s side last term before slipping down the pecking order in January, when Patrick Dorgu arrived from Lecce and seized the left wing-back berth. From there, Malacia headed to PSV Eindhoven on loan for the remainder of 2024/25, making 12 appearances – three of them in the Champions League against Juventus and Arsenal – and finishing the season as an Eredivisie champion.

Back in the squad, but not in the XI

After a summer that brought suitors but no permanent move, Malacia returned to Carrington with Amorim’s first-team group. Yet he hasn’t played a single minute this season, which tells you where the manager’s faith lies right now. Dorgu is first choice, and on current evidence, there’s no changing that.

United’s left-back picture

Dorgu’s impact has been immediate and authoritative. He offers dynamism down the flank and has the shirt. For Malacia, it’s a tough road back: he’s tidy, combative and positionally sound, but after such a lengthy absence and with limited minutes since, it’s hard to argue he’s ahead of the Dane. A free exit in 2026 would let United reset at left-back without the noise of a fee or a forced sale.

Contract watch at Old Trafford

Malacia isn’t the only one approaching decision time. Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Tom Heaton are also into the final year of their deals. According to Romano, United are in talks with Maguire about an extension, with meetings held recently to discuss terms. The wider picture is clear: Amorim and the hierarchy are shaping a new spine while making pragmatic calls on the fringe.

What next for Malacia?

At 26 by the time his contract is up, he’ll still have plenty of miles left in the legs. The PSV stint reminded everyone he can handle high-stakes football and European nights. If he gets a run somewhere that trusts him, there’s a solid Premier League or top-five league full-back there. It just looks increasingly unlikely that renaissance happens in Manchester.

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Pundit’s view

This isn’t a bust-up or a bombshell; it’s sensible squad management. Amorim has his man in Dorgu, and Malacia needs regular minutes to get back to his best. Sometimes the cleanest break is the right one. Come June 2026, expect handshakes, well-wishes and a defender looking for a platform to relaunch his career.