Erik ten Hag springs a surprise! Teenage defender Willy Kambwala to make Man Utd debut against West Ham, with Marcus Rashford still on the bench
Erik ten Hag has handed 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala his senior debut in Manchester United's trip to West Ham.
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- Ten Hag hands teenage defender debut
- 19-year-old Kambwala starts vs West Ham
- Rashford named on bench again
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Table of Contents
ToggleWHAT HAPPENED?
With United suffering an injury crisis in defence, Ten Hag has decided to start teenage Kambwala at centre-back at the London Stadium. The French youth international has never played a single minute of senior football before. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has again been named on the bench despite recovering from illness.
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WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID
When asked about Kambwala by TNT Sports ahead of the game, Ten Hag said: "He's calm, he made a good impression in training. Of course, he's inexperienced and it's a big moment for him. He's athletic, calm on the ball and now he has his opportunity."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE:
United are without defender Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia through injury, while Raphael Varane is ill and Diogo Dalot is suspended after his sending-off against Liverpool last weekend. Midfielder Casemiro — who can deputise in defence — is also injured. The only fit senior centre-back in Ten Hag's squad is 35-year-old Jonny Evans, who partners Kambwala at the back.
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WHAT NEXT FOR KAMBWALA AND UNITED?
With the likes of Maguire, Martinez and Lindelof not expected back until next month, a good performance from Kambwala could see the youngster feature against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
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