Manchester United have announced their final 25-man squad for the 2024 Europa League, and fans were quick to notice the unexpected inclusion of Tyrell Malacia, a player who has been out of action for nearly 15 months.

Malacia, the Dutch left-back who joined United from Feyenoord in 2022 for £13 million, was among Erik ten Hag's initial signings.

He enjoyed a promising debut season, making 39 appearances across all competitions, and was tipped by many to eventually become the club’s first-choice left-back, ahead of Luke Shaw. However, his progress was derailed by persistent fitness issues.

Malacia missed the majority of last season due to injuries and has been absent from training this term as well. His prolonged absence from the pitch had led many to assume he would remain sidelined for the foreseeable future. Therefore, his inclusion in United's Europa League squad has taken many by surprise.

Before the current season, Ten Hag had expressed optimism about Malacia's return, suggesting that the defender could be back in action within two months. However, another setback delayed his comeback.

Now, with Malacia named in the Europa League squad, it appears that the 24-year-old is finally on the path to full recovery and could return to action sooner than anticipated.

Aside from Malacia, United's Europa League squad includes all the expected names, though fans might notice the absence of youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

This omission is in line with UEFA regulations, which state that club-trained players born after January 1, 2003, do not need to be included in the main squad list.

Manchester United 25-man Europa League 2024-25 squad

Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Tom Heaton, Altay Bayindir, Dermot William Mee

Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Harry Amass.

Midfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Antony.