Willy Kambwala was called up to play at centre-half for Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool as Erik ten Hag challenged the youngster to nail down the position

Erik ten Hag was “convinced” Willy Kambwala would handle himself after being thrown in during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

The young defender was handed just his second Premier League start as he partnered Harry Maguire at centre-half. Kambwala was called up due to a plethora of injuries to defensive players with Ten Hag admitting the likes of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans won’t be returning anytime soon.

He had no doubt that Kambwala would settle though having been impressed with his efforts in training. Ten Hag has continued to back the club’s academy products and is adamant that the 19-year-old is further proof of the team’s bright future.

He said: “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.”

The United boss now wants Kambwala to consistently produce as he’s forced to juggle his backline once again. Ten Hag did also suggest Casemiro could fill in at centre-half – a position he has played once in the past three years and that was back in his Real Madrid days

“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,” said Ten Hag. “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.”

Despite holding Liverpool to a draw United are now more than 10 points off of Aston Villa in fifth. Their next assignment is a clash with Bournemouth.

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