Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed delight with the future of Manchester United following their 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

The respective performances of 19-year-old Willy Kambwala — who made his second start of the league campaign — and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo gave the Dutch manager cause for optimism in what has been a tough time for the Red Devils.

Luis Diaz put the Reds in front before Bruno Fernandes levelled matters out of the blue.

Mainoo netted a screamer to put United ahead but Mohammed Salah rescued a point from the penalty spot for the visitors.

“I don’t think, at this short notice, they will return,” Ten Hag said to the media about Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.

“We were convinced [Kambwala] could do the job and he has done brilliant.”

Ten Hag was also pleased with the contributions of Kambwala and Mainoo.

“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… then the future will be very good.”

Man United travel to Bournemouth on Saturday before facing Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 21.

“It’s still positive, we have the semi-final,” Ten Hag added.

“We will keep fighting for every point and see where we are in the end.”