Ten Hag rates performance of 19-year-old Willy Kambwala

Erik ten Hag gave a rare start to 19-year-old Willy Kambwala in the Premier League clash against Liverpool.

Kambwala put in a solid performance in central defence, in just his second start for the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag has offered his thoughts on the performance of young Manchester United star Willy Kambwala in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.

The 19-year-old centre-back was handed his second Premier League start as the Red Devils gained a point against their arch rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday.

With defenders Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw injured, Ten Hag didn’t have many options available.

Kambwala was very solid at the back, and his manager Erik ten Hag was impressed.

“I don’t think, at this short notice, they (Evans and Varane) will return,” Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference.

“The decision to bring Willy in is because he has been a long time training with us and, in his first game against West Ham United, he also did very well, his progress is amazing.

“During training, we didn’t have any doubts and, for instance, we could have also brought Casemiro down and then bring another midfielder in.

“We were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliant. I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.

“This team, the squad has high potential and if we get more players available, especially in the backline, where we have 27 different organisations, across the season, then the future will be very good.”

Speaking to the BBC, Ten Hag added: “Now it’s the challenge for him to do it consistently because, in the coming weeks, they will not return, so many players.

“So it’s a great opportunity for him. We have also other options. We can also bring Casemiro into a centre-half position. But I think, the choice for today, he absolutely deserved it and he showed it on the pitch.”