In a surprising revelation that’s stirred excitement among Manchester United supporters and caught Premier League fans off guard, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has reportedly named an unexpected Manchester United defender as the toughest opponent he’s ever faced — and it’s neither Lisandro Martinez nor rising star Leny Yoro.
Following a heated North-West derby clash at Anfield, Salah is said to have heaped praise on United’s emerging talent, Willy Kambwala. The young defender delivered a commanding performance that successfully kept Liverpool’s usually deadly attack at bay for much of the game. Salah, reflecting on the encounter, allegedly compared Kambwala to some of the world’s best defenders he’s faced, including Sergio Ramos, Antonio Rüdiger, and Kalidou Koulibaly, but claimed none could match the teenager’s defensive awareness and ball recovery ability.
The 19-year-old French-born Congolese centre-back has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a challenging season for Manchester United under manager Ruben Amorim. Despite the team’s inconsistent form, Kambwala has consistently impressed with his pace, strength, and remarkable maturity on the pitch. His performances have not gone unnoticed by fans and football pundits alike.
Supporters quickly took to social media to celebrate the reported remarks, with many calling Kambwala the “future of Old Trafford” and even tipping him to wear the captain’s armband someday. His steady rise through the ranks has become a rare highlight for a United side in transition, and with several key defenders either injured or nearing the end of their time at the club, Kambwala’s emergence offers hope for a brighter future.
While official confirmation of Salah’s comments remains absent — and the story appears to be more fan fiction than fact — it does reflect the genuine excitement around Kambwala’s potential. The young defender’s ability to step up in big matches has already earned him a growing reputation, and if he continues on this path, real praise from top players could soon follow.
