23 December 2023 , 11:52
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Manchester United have handed a shock first-team debut to Willy Kambwala for their Premier League clash at West Ham.
The 19-year-old has gone straight into the starting line-up for the trip to London. He will be alongside Jonny Evans in the centre of defence, with a 16-year age-gap between the two players.
Kambwala, who captained France at under-16 level, has been at the club for just over three years, after United beat Liverpool in the race to sign him from Sochaux. He's since come through the under-18 and under-21 ranks at the club, but is yet to appear in the Premier League.
The teenager signifies one of three changes to the team that drew 0-0 at Liverpool. Captain Bruno Fernandes returns to the starting line-up following suspension, but Diogo Dalot is out after being sent off at Anfield.
“He's calm, he's made a good impression in training," Erik ten Hag told TNT Sports. “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."
Aaron Wan-Bissaka comes into the defence with both Dalot and Raphael Varane out while Sofyan Amrabat drops to the bench. Christian Eriksen is also among the substitutes having returned to training this week but but Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Mason Mount remain sidelined.
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The selection means five of United's starters on Saturday can be deemed academy graduates. Alongside the youngster, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay and Evans also came through the youth ranks.
Willy Kambwala of Manchester United (Manchester United via Getty Images)Kambwala, also eligible to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has recovered from a huge injury blow after signing a professional contract with United in October 2020. Soon after putting pen to paper, he was ruled out for 11 months.
Upon his return, he posted on social media: "After 11 months away from the field I am very happy to have made my return with the team this weekend, to play for a few minutes and to come back with a victory that's the reason for my smile."