Rio Ferdinand has praised Tyrell Malacia following his performance against Liverpool, even comparing the left-back to Manchester United hero Patrice Evra.
The Red Devils ran out 2-1 winners over Jurgen Klopp's side on Monday night as goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford helped United to their first win of the season. Malacia was particularly impressive for United as he kept danger man Mohamed Salah quiet for the majority of the game.
Although the Egyptian still managed to find the net, it came from a corner and not from open play - with Malacia dealing with Salah's threat from the right wing. There are not many who can keep the prolific Liverpool winger at bay - one of the last to do so was Leicester star Luke Thomas - making the Dutchman's feat even more impressive.
Ferdinand has since compared Malacia to ex-United left-back Patrice Evra, who was part of the side that dominated the Premier League in the late 2000s under Sir Alex Ferguson. The 43-year-old also explained what impresses him most about the United new boy, who became the club's first signing of the summer back in July.
He told his Vibe with Five YouTube channel: "Malacia today was tremendous, outstanding. 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. Luke Shaw’s going to have to do something to get back in this team now."
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It was Malacia's first start for United as he replaced Luke Shaw in the starting line-up after the England international failed to impress in the opening two matches against Brentford and Brighton. It was one of four changes, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Fred and Harry Maguire also dropping out of the side to tackle Liverpool.
The bold selection process paid off for Erik ten Hag and he lauded his players after the game. He said: "We can talk about technical, but it's all about attitude. Now you see we bring the attitude on the pitch.
"There was communication, there was a fighting spirit and especially there was a team and you can see what they can achieve, because they can f***ing play good football. I wanted a different approach to the Brentford game, and that’s what they brought to the pitch. This is why I am satisfied.
"We can play much better if we have more composure to make an extra pass. We have good players, but now we can be a team. Bruno Fernandes showed leadership, together with Raphael Varane. They make a huge difference. But that's what they have to bring."
