has hailed Tyrell Malacia after keeping quiet in ’s win over Liverpool – comparing him to club legend Patrice Evra.
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Malacia, a summer signing from Feyenoord, came in for his first start for the club on Monday night and turned in a superb defensive performance as his side sealed a much-needed 2-1 win.
The Netherlands international was tasked with keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah under control and while the Egypt international scored late on to provide a nervy ending at Old Trafford, the left-back’s display has won him plaudits from all quarters.
Luke Shaw lost his place in the side, dropping out for the 23-year-old, with Ferdinand believing he will now keep the England international out of the side.
‘Luke Shaw, Luke Shaw… Malacia today was tremendous, outstanding. The whole back four were brilliant,’ Ferdinand told .
‘He reminds me of Patrice Evra in many ways. He’s athletic, he looks like a pound-for-pound strong kid. There aren’t many left-backs in European or world football in the last four or five years who have gone out of a game and kept Mohamed Salah quiet.
‘Yes, he scored a little goal but in the main of the game he kept him quiet. Salah would’ve come off that pitch thinking that was a tough competitor.
‘In terms of the physical duel, he was on him. In terms of getting up to him as soon as he took a touch and hitting him, he was there.
‘Whenever he did get past him the odd time in the game he has the pace to cover and get back. I thought in all elements of his game, even on the ball, he’s so calm and composed.
‘Look, we’re only a couple of games into his Manchester United career but what he’s shown so far, nothing but positive.
‘Luke Shaw’s going to have to do something to get back in this team now. In a time when confidence has been at a low ebb, he’s come in and been very confident immediately. It’s difficult to do that in a team like this.’
United’s win saw them move above Liverpool in the Premier League table into 14th place.
Erik ten Hag will hoping for his side to maintain those intensity levels when they take on Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
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