The 18-year-old was seen for the first time during Man United’s first-team training, know about who is Willy Kambwala along with his squad number
A recent wave of injuries has left Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with a selection conundrum as the season’s closing stretch draws near.
The center-back positions in particular seem to be rather thin because Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were both hurt during the first leg of the Europa League encounter at home against Sevilla.
Later, the season was declared over for Lisandro Martinez.
Willy Kambwala pictured in first team training for the first time…
Lots of qualities that make him a good fit for English football. All we have to hope for is an injury free season 🤞 pic.twitter.com/14a4BSvbaZ
— academyarena Utd (@academyarenaUTD) April 25, 2023
Young Manchester United player Willy Kambwala took part in the first-team training for the first time, in anticipation of Thursday’s game against Tottenham Hotspur.
💪🔴 Eighteen year-old #MUFC centre back Willy Kambwala pic.twitter.com/ZoxFrXu9AU
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) April 26, 2023
Kambwala was spotted working on exercises alongside seasoned United stalwarts like Harry Maguire, Marcel Sabiter, Facundo Pellistri, and Wout Weghorst.
The French defender participated in the practise together with four other teenagers.
The other three were Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Marc Jurado, and Maxi Oyedele.
On April 16, Jurado travelled to the City Ground with the undermanned United matchday squad to face Nottingham Forest.
The invitation for Kambwala to participate comes at a time when injuries are causing problems for United, notably on defence.
Who is Man Utd player Willy Kambwala: Bio, age, height, squad number and career stats
The 18-year-old has gained the trust of those at Old Trafford since moving there from Sochaux in the summer of 2020.
United brought him to England for a hefty cost of about £3.6 million.
Journalist Samuel Luckhurst at the time referred to the Red Devils’ ability to sign the adolescent phenom as a “transfer coup”.
He arrived in the same summer that other players from the continent, including Marc Jurado and Alejandro Garnacho, were brought in.
Despite only being able to play on six different occasions this season due to injury issues, the youngster has made an impact when he has played.
Last month’s Premier League 2 draw with Arsenal was described as “impressive” by MEN’s Steven Railston.
It is easy to see why Ten Hag and his staff have already become interested in the interesting Frenchman. During his early years at Manchester, Luckhurst praised the dynamic player’s “Olympian speed” and “perceptive passing.”
His jersey number is 53 and Kambwala’s current transfer value is between €80K and €0.1M.
The goal is for the astonishingly tall young Kambwala, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches, to ultimately replace his compatriot Raphael Varane in the backline, as the latter player may be nearing the peak of his career at the age of just 30.