Kambwala can stake his claim

"We were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliant," Erik continued. "I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.

"This team, the squad has high potential and if we get more players available, especially in the backline, where we have 27 different organisations, across the season, then the future will be very good."

In a separate interview with the BBC, the manager added: "Now it's the challenge for him to do it consistently because, in the coming weeks, they will not return, so many players.

"So it's a great opportunity for him. We have also other options. We can also bring Casemiro into a centre-half position. But I think, the choice for today, he absolutely deserved it and he showed it on the pitch."