Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala has seized the opportunity he received due to United’s injury crisis. The 19-year-old center-back has had to step up multiple times this season because of the lack of fit first-team center-backs. Kambwala has been assured in his performances and played out another neat 90 minutes against Liverpool this past Sunday.
However, what has got the fans talking is the resurfaced news that Anthony Martial had helped Kambwala make his first visit to Old Trafford. According to Manchester Evening News, in April 2018, the U-15 team of “French teenagers from Les Ulis, a semi-professional team 24 kilometers [15 miles] south-west of Paris” visited Old Trafford to watch United play against West Bromwich Albion. The visit was facilitated by Martial.
Where did Utd find this gem ?
The answer:
“2-and-a-half years ago, a French kid on a trip to Old Trafford arranged by Anthony Martial told a teammate he’d return to play for United. The kid was Willy Kambwala” #UndaRated 📈pic.twitter.com/SJhbIF1dxR
— UndaRated (@Unda_Rated) April 8, 2024
The French attacker was a member of the Les Ulis academy and, not to forget, Martial was destined for big things. He was a Golden Boy award winner before joining United. Les Ulis are very proud of their product. To inspire the young generation, Martial helped facilitate a visit to Old Trafford where a certain French defender told his teammates that he would be donning the red jersey in the coming years.
Yes, Willy Kambwala foreshadowed his transfer to the red half of Manchester. In 2018, he moved to Sochaux and later, in 2020, a 16-year-old Kambwala joined United.
Willy Kambwala’s rise in Manchester United ranks
The Frenchman faced a difficult period at the beginning of his United career. He endured an ankle injury that kept him out for almost a year. He returned in September 2021 and played for the U-18 team. Soon after, he signed a professional contract at the club. He was again injured and missed out on the FA Youth Cup triumph in 2022.
Willy Kambwala, however, did show massive potential in his appearances. He is physically strong and remarkably tall, measuring 6 ft 4 in. His speed and soccer IQ are talked about a lot. Moreover, Kambwala is also known for his leadership qualities. He has captained the French U-16 squad.
In December 2023, with defenders including Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Raphael Varane out injured, Kambwala was on the bench against Liverpool. He made his debut a few days later against West Ham but United lost the match 2-0. He made a few more appearances off the bench before making his first Old Trafford start against Liverpool.
Willy Kambwala’s game by numbers vs. Liverpool
100% ground duels won
100% tackles won
29 passes completed
3 clearances
2 interceptionsStepped up in the toughest game in English football. 🛡🛡🛡 pic.twitter.com/1nn5eS7Yvh
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 7, 2024
United attempted zero shots at the Liverpool goal while they suffered a flurry of Liverpool attacks throughout the first half. The Red Devils managed to go into the break just a goal down. Like many of their previous matches, they staged a phenomenal comeback to lead 2-1, however, again, they let the lead slip and drew 2-2. Kambwala was instrumental in keeping Liverpool restricted to two goals off their 28 shots.
Erik ten Hag praises Willy Kambwala for his contribution against Liverpool
Willy Kambwala stepped up in one of the biggest games in English soccer. He showed his passion for the game and passion for the club as he riled up the crowd to get behind his team. The French youngster did not look out of place while commanding from the back alongside Harry Maguire.
Kambwala won 100% of his ground duels and tackles while completing 29 passes, three clearances, and two interceptions. United manager Erik ten Hag was particularly impressed by his progress. “Willy Kambwala is progressing well. The next generation need to step in, he is doing brilliant, said ten Hag,” according to Fabrizio Romano.
🔴 Ten Hag: “Willy Kambwala is progressing well. The next generation need to step in, he is doing brilliant”.
“The challenge for him is doing it consistently. Great opportunity for him, he deserved to play and he showed it on the pitch”. pic.twitter.com/YfnchZHP8x
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 8, 2024
“The challenge for him is doing it consistently. Great opportunity for him, he deserved to play and he showed it on the pitch.”
United travel to Bournemouth for their next Premier League clash as they try to clinch a UEFA Champions League spot. On the other hand, Liverpool, who has taken a hit in their title race due to the dropped points in Manchester, will host Crystal Palace in the Premier League next.
