Man Utd hand little-known wonderkid debut in starting XI for West Ham clash as fans say ‘love to see it’

ERIK TEN HAG named 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala in his starting line-up ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Ham this afternoon.

Kambwala was an unused substitute for the Red Devils in last Sunday’s match against Liverpool.

PA

Willy Kambwala started for Man Utd against West Ham[/caption]

But he was handed his first Premier League start this afternoon.

Fans took to social media to react to the squad announcement, with one person writing: “Looking forward to see him on the field.”

Another commented: “Wishing him the best. Always nice to see academy boys succeed.”

While a third wrote: “Love to see it.”

Kambwala’s debut saw him start as a centre-back alongside Jonny Evans.

Discussing the teenager’s involvement before kick-off, Man Utd boss Ten Hag told TNT Sports: “He’s calm, he’s made a good impression in training.

“Of course he’s inexperienced and this is a big moment for him. He’s athletic, calm on the ball, he has his opportunity now.”

Kambwala has made 15 appearances for United’s Under-21’s so far this season.

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After Liverpool expressed an interest in signing him, the Frenchman joined Man Utd in a £3.5million transfer from Sochaux in October 2020.

But just weeks after arriving at Old Trafford he suffered a huge injury setback.

Kambwala was sidelined for 11 months after suffering a major injury during a friendly against Salford.

He returned to action in September 2021 and signed his first professional contract the following month.

Man Utd went on to lose 2-0 to West Ham.

Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring in the 72nd minute before Mohammed Kudus pounced on a United error to seal the win for David Moyes’ side.