Tyrell Malacia has ended his search for a new club, signing for MLS side FC Cincinnati four months after leaving Manchester United as a free agent when his contract expired at the end of last season.
The Dutch left-back, now 27, joins on a one-year deal with an option for a further campaign. He arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 as Erik ten Hag's first signing and spent four years with the club.
"We are excited to add a player of Tyrell's experience," said FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright. "He's played at the highest levels of the game and understands the demands of competing in those environments. His quality on the ball, defensive instincts, and team-first mentality is a welcome addition to the group and we're happy to have him in Cincinnati."
A difficult few years at United
Malacia, a nine-time Dutch international, made 39 appearances in his first season at United but then missed the entire 2023/24 campaign through injury. He managed just 11 more appearances for the club after that.
His prolonged absence fuelled a number of conspiracy theories on social media, which Malacia addressed in November 2024. Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "No, nothing was true. No, no. I've just been doing my rehab. Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family - so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I've done."
He also spoke about two family difficulties during that period, including his father Sanroy's illness. "It's a bit difficult, because I'm not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick," Malacia said. "He wasn't able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It's still difficult sometimes."
Malacia's grandmother also passed away during this time. "For me, she was like my mum; basically, my second mum," he said. "I lived there for a couple of years. I was there every day, especially when I played in Holland. After every training, I went there. Every time I go back to Holland, the first thing I did was go visit her. Always the first thing."
FC Cincinnati currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference of MLS, where Malacia will now look to rebuild his career.
