MUTV pundit gives instant verdict on Willy Kambwala performance v Liverpool, offers strong opinion

Manchester United youngster Willy Kambwala was called upon to start against Liverpool in an intense Premier League derby.

A succession of injuries led to Manchester United calling on Willy Kambwala to start alongside Harry Maguire against Liverpool.

This was Kambwala’s second ever start, following a start away at West Ham back in December. He has had a few substitute appearances in between, but this was a different challenge, a first start at Old Trafford.

Kambwala did not let himself down, with United earning a 2-2 draw against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Willy Kambwala performance v Liverpool

Willy Kambwala played all 90 minutes and did not look like an inexperienced teenager. The 19-year-old looked very confident throughout the game.

Kambwala gave a spirited display, trying to fire up the crowd, and looked very assured in afirst team setting.

He was praised on MUTV by pundit and former centre-back David May, who lauded his contribution, along with two others.

May said: “Kambwala unbelievable, unbelievable. Mainoo, unbelievable. Garnacho put a shift in. Those three youngsters can hold their heads high

“Every single challenge [from Kambwala], sometimes a little old school, but I tell you what, I can see what this club means to him.”

Manchester United signed Kambwala at 16 from French side Sochaux and after an injury-hit stint in the academy, he has stepped up when the club needed him.

Erik ten Hag probably should have trusted him a couple of games ago. With the health of United’s other centre-backs unclear, United will need him.

This was a good sign that Kambwala can be a star for the future, and a valuable contributor in the present.

Willy Kambwala stats v Liverpool

Here are Willy Kambwala’s key numbers against Liverpool across the 90 minutes.