Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand has heap praises on new Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia after an impressive display against their arch-rival Liverpool.
The 23-year-old Dutch international joined Manchester United this summer from Feyenoord for £15 million. He was one of Manchester United’s top performers for the memorable night at Old Trafford.
Tyrell Malacia was tasked with marking Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah. Malacia did a fantastic job by keeping the Egyptian international at bay for almost the entire duration of the game.
Malacia performed both his defensive duty and offensive very well on the night without allowing Mohamed Salah to have his way, although the Three times Premier League Golden Boot winner scored later in the game.
Rio Ferdinand believes with such an impressive performance by Tyrell Malacia, the Dutch international will cement his place in the Manchester United starting lineup ahead of countryman Luke Shaw.
What did Rio Ferdinand say about Tyrell Malacia’s performance against Liverpool?
The former Manchester United Legend revealed this on his Youtube Channel Vibe with Five, saying: “Luke Shaw, Luke Shaw… Malacia today was tremendous and outstanding. The whole back four were brilliant.
“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.”
Manchester United is now 14th on the Premier League table after their 2-1 win over Liverpool on Monday. The Manchester United faithful’s will hope their win against Liverpool be helped build their confidence as the season progress.
Erik Ten Hag’s side will face Southampton on Saturday at the Saint Mary’s Stadium.