The Dutch full-back has not played for United since the final match of the 2022/23 Premier League season – a 2-1 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford.
Malacia was welcomed back to team training in September of this year, after that long spell on the sidelines, and has been stepping up his rehabilitation programme since that point.
Ahead of Thursday's Europa League fixture against PAOK of Greece, interim head coach van Nistelrooy told gathered media at Carrington that the defender was not far away from featuring in a match – though the club legend hinted that Tyrell's comeback may take place in an Under-21s game, rather than the first-team equivalent.