Bruno Fernandes makes thoughts on Man Utd 'bomb squad' flop very clear

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has thrown his weight behind Tyrell Malacia as the Dutch full-back battles to resurrect his Old Trafford career under new boss Ruben Amorim. The 26-year-old defender has been welcomed back into the senior setup by the Portuguese coach following a turbulent summer that saw him grouped with United's so-called 'bomb squad' alongside Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony.

While his four fellow outcasts managed to secure permanent transfers and loan switches away from the Theatre of Dreams, the left-back remained at the club after a proposed move to Spanish side Elche collapsed on transfer deadline day. Following Malacia's inability to secure an exit, he was reinstated in United's Premier League squad list, with Amorim declaring: "He is returning with contact with the ball with the Under-21s, then we will see."

Brought to the club by fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag in 2022, Malacia made 39 appearances during his debut season but has managed only eight further outings over the following two campaigns due to persistent fitness problems.

After spending more than 12 months out of action with a severe knee injury, his eagerly awaited comeback was made in November 2024 when he was named in the starting XI for United's Under-21 side in their EFL Trophy clash against Huddersfield Town.

Though the Red Devils endured a crushing 4-1 defeat, Malacia's return to competitive action was keenly observed by the Portuguese midfielder, who took to social media platforms to celebrate his colleague's milestone moment.

Fernandes has shown his support for fellow Manchester United player Malacia, sharing a photo of him in action on Instagram with the caption: "Happy to see you back."

The 31-year-old Portuguese star has often publicly praised the Dutch defender.

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After United's 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in last year's Europa League, Malacia was singled out for praise by Fernandes. The defender had an impressive game, winning all of his duels and tackles during his 60-minute stint on the pitch.

Fernandes took to Instagram once more to compliment Malacia, writing: "Getting better and better my guy."

Despite being loaned out to PSV Eindhoven last February where he only played 12 matches, Fernandes continued to offer words of encouragement from afar.

Even when Malacia played just 42 minutes in PSV's Champions League playoff 3-1 win over Juventus, securing their place in the knockout stages, Fernandes was there to cheer him on. After Malacia shared a photo of himself in action against the Italian giants with the caption: "Massive team effort, last 16 bound," Fernandes responded with a love heart emoji.

With Malacia now fit again, he could be set for a return to Premier League action this season. His team, currently struggling for form, will next face newly-promoted Sunderland on Saturday - a match that could prove pivotal for manager Amorim, who has managed just two wins in the first six league games of the season.