Willy Kambwala’s performance against Liverpool was widely praised (Photo: Getty)
Rio Ferdinand sung the praises of young Manchester United star Willy Kambwala after his ‘magnificent’ man of the match performance against Liverpool.
United earned a point against their arch-rivals on Sunday after an epic 2-2 draw that few would have predicted.
Many assumed title Liverpool contenders would storm to victory at Old Trafford especially given the Red Devils’ defensive frailties that has seen them concede over 200 shots in the Premier League since the turn of the year.
Moreover, Erik ten Hag’s defence has been decimated by injuries to their defence, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans among those in the treatment room.
As a result, Harry Maguire is the only fit senior centre-back left, which forced Ten Hag to start 19-year-old Kambwala alongside the England international
This was only the teenager’s eighth senior appearance for United, his second start and his first at Old Trafford, yet the Frenchman slotted into the team seamlessly, putting in an eye-catching performance.
Legendary United centre-back Ferdinand was very impressed, saying on the FIVE podcast: ‘Some good performances in there. Harry Maguire and Willy at centre-half, two brilliant performances.
‘I thought even though we did give up a lot of chances, the reason was we were so easy to play through. Our midfield defensively, in transition especially weren’t there to slow Liverpool down at all, which meant the defenders had to play well.
‘[Diogo] Dalot I thought was exceptional at times as well.
‘But Willy, for a young centre-back in a game with a real fiery atmosphere – loads riding on the game as well after the way we played against Chelsea – for him to come in and put in a performance like that, I thought he was magnificent.
More Trending
‘What I liked about him he was he was making the tackle, getting up, getting the crowd involved, the emotion. You could see he understood, I really liked [it].’
Asked later for his player of the match, Ferdinand added: ‘100 per cent Kambwala. Done his thing, full of passion.’
With the injured centre-backs not expected back any time soon, Kambwala will get more chances to prove his worth before the end of the season, starting with United’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.