Who is Man Utd debutant Willy Kambwala as Erik ten Hag explains Raphael Varane absence
Willy Kambwala starts for Manchester United against West Ham
GETTY
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has handed Willy Kambwala his first start for the club for this afternoon's match against West Ham.
United are short of options in defence with a host of injuries forcing Ten Hag to make some changes.
Lisandro Martinez remains out while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have picked up knocks themselves 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 keep Liverpool at bay in a 0-0 draw.
🗯️ "Of course it's exciting. It's a big opportunity."
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 23, 2023
Erik explains the inclusion of #MUAcademy duo Willy Kambwala and Rhys Bennett in today's squad ✊#MUFC || #WHUMUN
But the Frenchman is unavailable this weekend due to illness with Ten Hag turning to Kambwala to start alongside Evans.
The 19-year-old joined United from French side Sochaux for £3.5milion in 2020 and has impressed in the club's youth system.
He has plenty of pedigree in his home nation having captained France's Under-16 team.
Kambwala's progress at United was delayed after an 11-month injury lay-off, keeping him out of action until September 2021.
He's made 15 appearances for United's youth team this season with six coming in the UEFA Youth League.
Standing at a towering 6ft 4in, Kambwala offers plenty of height to United's defensive unit.
United frustrated Liverpool in their last match, while failing to create many opportunities themselves.
Ten Hag wants a similar defensive performance against West Ham but has also called on his team to be more adventurous going forward.
Ten Hag added: "We will build on the performance at Liverpool and we want to be better on the ball. I think we had opportunities [against Liverpool], we had the spaces, but we didn't always explore the spaces.
Willy Kambwala has impressed in the youth system
PA
"This is a different game, they aren't as offensive as Liverpool, but we still have to do better on the ball.
"We had the two chances of the game against Liverpool and in top football, you don't create 10 chances.
"They didn't create one chance from open play and I think all the teams today are well organised. We need to start with better build-up, especially in our game in possession, with triangles, we can do better.
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Raphael Varane is absent through illness
PA
"We all are distracted by Christmas, with family, you want to see them, celebrate, but we have to do our job.
"We can change the story of the season [in festive period] and this is an opportunity to do that."
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