Ten Hag puts his faith in United future

ERIK ten Hag believes the future is bright for United after praising the performance of 19-year-old centreback Willy Kambwala in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

The 19-year-old was making just his second start for the club but he stood up strongly against Liverpool's attacking threat and relished his battles with Darwin Nunez, in particular, at one point raising his arms to the Stretford End after a superb recovery tackle on the Uruguayan.

Kambwala was forced into action after Jonny Evans joined Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof on the treatment table and Ten Hag doesn't expect a change in the availability of his central defenders this week. He had considered moving Casemiro into central defence but opted to trust the youngster instead.

And he was delighted with the impact made by the Frenchman, who was one of three teenagers to start against Liverpool, with another three on the bench, which gives Ten Hag encouragement for the future.

"When old soldiers die, new ones have to come in," he said.

"Willy for a long time is training with us, he started at West Ham and did very good, his progress is amazing, we didn't have any doubts.