Manchester United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Old Trafford yesterday, coming from a goal down in the first-half to take a 2-1 lead before Mohamed Salah grabbed an 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
United were lucky not to be 4-0 down in the opening 45 minutes, with the Reds failing to make the most of the chances they created.
Willy Kambwala made a promising start to life in the Premier League despite Liverpool’s immense pressure, and his performance earned praise from Rio Ferdinand.
“Willy, for a young centre-back to… in a game… a real kind of fiery atmosphere,” the former Man United star said on his YouTube channel after the game.
“After the way he played against Chelsea, for him to come and put in a performance like that.
“I thought he was magnificent. You know what I like about him? He made some tackles, sometimes getting up, getting the crowd involved.
“Emotions! You could see that bit of emotion which he understood, which I really like.”
Kambwala was making his first Premier League start for Man United but was one of the best players on the pitch.
Manager Erik ten Hag was also impressed with what he saw from the Frenchman, praising him for his swift progress in recent months.
With Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane unavailable due to injuries, Ten Hag had no choice but to throw the 19-year-old into action, and Kambwala did not disappoint.
The teenage sensation won 100% ground duels, won 100% tackles, completed 29 passes, made three clearances and two interceptions.
He could soon establish himself as a regular starter if he keeps impressing.
Man United want to bolster their defence this summer and have been linked with a couple of centre-backs.
However, Kambwala’s emergence may see them change their mind, as bringing in new defenders could hinder his development from continuing.
