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Manchester United boss Eric ten Hag has handed Willie Kambwala his first start for the club in this afternoon’s match against West Ham.
United were short of options in defense due to a number of injuries, leading Ten Hag to make some changes.
Lisandro Martínez is out while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have played their own innings recently.
Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans were the only two fit senior defenders for United’s trip to Anfield last week as they helped the Red Devils hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw.
🗯️ “Of course it’s exciting. It’s a big opportunity.”
Explains Eric’s inclusion #MUAcademy Pair of Willie Kambwala and Rhys Bennett in today’s team ✊#MUFC , #WHUMUN
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) 23 December 2023
But the Frenchman is unavailable this weekend due to illness and Ten Hag have turned to Kambwala to start alongside Evans.
The 19-year-old joined United from French side Sochaux for £3.5million in 2020 and has impressed in the club’s youth system.
He has a lot of fame in his country for captaining the France Under-16 team.
Kambwala’s progress at United was delayed by an 11-month injury spell, ruling him out of action until September 2021.
He has made 15 appearances for United’s youth team this season, six of which have come in the UEFA Youth League.
Standing at a height of 6 feet 4 inches, Kambwala provides considerable height to United’s defensive unit.
United disappointed Liverpool in their last match, failing to create many chances themselves.
Ten Hag wants a similar defensive performance against West Ham but has also called on his team to be more courageous going forward.
Ten Hag said: “We will step up the performances at Liverpool and we want to be better on the ball. I think we had opportunities [against Liverpool]We had locations, but we didn’t always explore the locations.
Willie Kambwala has impressed in the youth system
the countryside
“It’s a different game, they are not as aggressive as Liverpool, but we still have to be better on the ball.
“In the game against Liverpool we had two chances and in top football, you don’t create 10 chances.
“They didn’t create a single chance from open play and I think all the teams were well organized today. We need to start with better build-ups, especially in our possession game, with the triangle, we are better. can do.
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Raphael Varane is absent due to illness
the countryside
“We are all distracted by Christmas, with family, you want to see them, celebrate, but we have to do our jobs.
“We can change the story of the season [in festive period] And this is an opportunity to do that.”
