Ruben Amorim has faced a turbulent period following Manchester United’s shock Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town on penalties. The loss has intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese head coach, who did not mince words when criticizing his team’s lackluster performance after the match.

Despite the disappointment, Amorim could soon receive a boost as a player he sidelined appears poised to exit Old Trafford. Reports from the Netherlands indicate that left back Malacia is on the verge of securing a loan move to Spanish club Elche for the upcoming season. This decision comes after discussions on Monday, with Malacia reportedly favoring Elche’s offer due to assurances of regular playing time.

Elche’s patient approach and willingness to give Malacia significant minutes were decisive. Lille also expressed interest, but the absence of manager Bruno Genesio during negotiations reportedly hindered their chances. Other clubs, including Roma, Besiktas, Porto, and a Saudi Arabian side, were also in the mix, but have been set aside for now.

If the deal goes through, it will mark Malacia’s second consecutive loan spell. He spent the latter half of last season at PSV Eindhoven, making 12 appearances across all competitions. The Dutch full-back originally joined Manchester United in 2022, becoming Erik ten Hag’s first signing after leaving Feyenoord.

Malacia initially made a positive impact, featuring in 39 matches during his debut campaign. However, injury sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023-24 season, limiting his opportunities to re-establish himself within the squad. After his return to fitness, he participated in eight games before being loaned out to PSV in January.

Beyond Malacia, other high-profile players such as Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho remain on Amorim’s list of players considered surplus to requirements. Marcus Rashford, another notable name, departed last month, joining Barcelona on a season-long loan. The ongoing reshuffle reflects the club’s efforts to overhaul its squad following a string of underwhelming results.