Andros Townsend has issued his verdict on the performance of Willy Kambwala after watching the Manchester United youngster for the first time in their draw with Liverpool on Sunday.
Manchester United can take some positives from the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Things looked very bleak at half-time when the only reason for optimism seemed to be that Erik ten Hag’s men were only 1-0 down.
But United showed real character to earn a point.
Kobbie Mainoo scored an exceptional goal, as did Bruno Fernandes. Andre Onana impressed in goal. Meanwhile, there was a big opportunity for Willy Kambwala in the game.
It was certainly not easy in the early stages, with Liverpool putting the home side under real pressure. And United definitely rode their luck at times.
Andros Townsend comments on Willy Kambwala after display in Manchester United draw
Micah Richards praised Kambwala for the way he grew into the game. And the 19-year-old has also received some praise from Andros Townsend.
Speaking on The Monday Night Club, Townsend suggested that he was impressed by the teenager considering how exposed the Manchester United backline was during the game.
He said: “With Man United, they’ve bought a lot of attackers under ten Hag. Have they really got the personnel in defence that they want?
“The young guy, the 19-year-old, I can’t remember his name. He was brilliant. He was exactly the profile that I think ten Hag’s looking for.
“It was the first time I saw him yesterday. He was very good.”
Why defender may be coming through at the perfect time
Mainoo has arguably shown the way for some of the youngsters knocking on the Old Trafford door. The 18-year-old has seized his opportunity since coming back into the side in late November.
Unfortunately for United, they are very much a work in progress. But that does mean that there are chances for those who are showing real potential to come into the fold a lot sooner than previously expected.
They still have something to play for this season. It may be too much to ask to secure a Champions League spot at this stage. But United remain in the FA Cup.
So there may still be chances for Kambwala to come in and stake a claim ahead of next season.
If he continues to perform as he did against Liverpool on Sunday, then perhaps he will put himself right into ten Hag’s plans ahead of pre-season.
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