Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shown faith in youth and this was evident in the derby against Liverpool.
One of the positives to emerge from Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool was that two of the best players on the pitch were academy breakthrough stars.
Kobbie Mainoo scored United’s second goal, while Willy Kambwala was a strong presence at the back, on just his second start.
Former defender Rio Ferdinand selected Kambwala as his man of the match, talking up the teenager’s performance.
Willy Kambwala earned opportunity, says Erik ten Hag
Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw are all out injured, leaving Harry Maguire as the only senior centre-back.
Willy Kambwala is in, however, it is not through default.Erik ten Hag last season selected Casemiro at centre-back in a cup tie, and said he was prepared to do so again, if he did not believe in Kambwala.
Instead, the manager says Kambwala is in the team because he has earned his chance, and that he has impressed at Carrington.
Ten Hag told club media: “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.”
Kambwala could be needed in upcoming games
WhileMartinez and Lindelof are out for a month, less is known about Varane and Evans, who both suffered injuries in the game at Chelsea last week.
Ten Hag said, following the Liverpool game: “I don’t think, at this short notice, they will return”.
This means there’s a chance Kambwala and Maguire could start away at Bournemouth next weekend.
If they perform well, it could decrease any temptation to rush any of the senior stars back for theFA Cup semi-final a week later. A chance to perform at Wembley is an exciting opportunity ahead for the teenager.