LONDON: Manchester United have a bright future after watching the performances of Willy Kambwala and Kobbi Mainu in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, manager Erik van Hag said.
Luis Diaz gave Liverpool a first-half lead at Old Trafford before Bruno Fernandes equalized and 18-year-old Maino made it 2-1 to United in the second period. Mohamed Salah’s late penalty equalized for the visitors.
19-year-old defender Kambwala was handed his second league start of the season on Sunday with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans ruled out through injury.
“I don’t think it’s coming back anytime soon,” On Hag told reporters on Evans and Varane. “We believe (Kambwala) can do it and he’s doing a great job.”
He was happy with the performance of Kambwala and Mainoo.
“I am very happy, very happy and this is a sign and a message for the future of Manchester United.”
“This team, the team has a lot of potential and if we can find more players, especially at the back… then the future is very good.”
United sit sixth in the Premier League table and could miss out on a place in next season’s Champions League. They travel to Bournemouth on Saturday April 21 before locking horns with Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
“It’s still positive, there’s a semi-final,” said Ten Haag.
“We will continue to fight for every point and see where we end up.”
