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Liverpool and Manchester United are poised to renew their fierce rivalry on Sunday. Whilst United's wing-back Tyrell Malacia is unlikely to feature in the encounter, he remains one Red Devils player that Reds manager Arne Slot has previously cautioned for displaying "arrogant" behaviour.
The Dutch tactician is well acquainted with the full-back from their shared period at Feyenoord, prior to Slot's appointment at Liverpool and Malacia's transfer to Old Trafford in 2022.
Nevertheless, Slot had issued Malacia a stern caution regarding a specific element of his play. Whilst Slot commended Malacia for functioning as a "driving force" he also highlighted his propensity to become overly relaxed in possession.
"When we're behind he is typically the player to try and force the issue, or to ignite a spark with a run or a tackle," Slot told Dutch outlet Bleed Orange.
"[But] I do see him taunt opponents a bit too much."
He added: "He almost shows too much of the ball, to get them to bite. At times, it's too much. He looks a bit complacent, arrogant even, at times. I talk to him about that."
Malacia operated under Slot for three campaigns before securing his move to the Red Devils in July 2022. Nevertheless, the defender's stint at United has been riddled with difficulties, including a series of injuries. He spent the latter portion of last campaign on loan at PSV Eindhoven.
Although the Dutchman has rejoined first-team preparations this season, he has yet to appear this term after losing favour under Ruben Amorim. Malacia was even amongst United's infamous 'bomb squad', the label given to a collection of United players who were ostracised by Amorim at the beginning of pre-season.
Nevertheless, he declined to pursue a departure from Old Trafford. Liverpool will enter Sunday's encounter with United following three consecutive defeats. Nonetheless, the Premier League leaders will be facing a United side who, despite their recent struggles, have secured victory in three of their previous five league matches.
Slot's squad triumphed 3-0 away against United last campaign but managed only a stalemate at Anfield in the reverse fixture. Still, the Dutchman remains optimistic his team can rediscover their form on Sunday at their bitter rivals' expense.
"I look forward to every single Premier League game but maybe even more towards the United one, because I know how special it is and I've experienced last season how special a game it is," Slot said in a pre-match press conference.
"We know that it's probably the game that's been watched the most all over the world. It's special to be part of it but in the end it's also a game where we have to be at our best, because United, in my opinion, has had a better start of the season than maybe the league table is showing."
United delivered one of their more impressive displays under Amorim at Anfield last campaign. The Red Devils battled to earn a hard-fought 2-2 stalemate, though they wasted several opportunities to claim victory in the closing stages.
Reflecting on his team's impressive performance last season, Amorim shared at a press conference this week: "Yeah, I remember it, we played well, it was a draw.
"I was really upset in the end of the game because we proved, on that day, that we can compete against any opponents. I know that it's special for our club. I know that they are fighting all the time for the titles, the number of titles. I know what it means to the fans, but again, it's one game that we need to prove again, that we are playing better".
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