Man Utd fans all agree on Willy Kambwala after debut ends in defeat to West Ham

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Manchester United fans all agreed that Willy Kambwala is the ‘real deal’ after the Red Devils prospect made an impressive debut against West Ham at the London Stadium.

Erik ten Hag’s men travelled to the London Stadium on Saturday on the back of a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp furious with the scoreline.

The United manager has faced an injury crisis this season and Ten Hag was dealt a further blow with Victor Lindelof becoming the latest Red Devils player sidelined.

Harry Maguire, who has seen a remarkable turn in form this season, is also out of action for United through injury and Lisandro Martinez is working towards his return.

Raphael Varane started against both Bayern Munich and Liverpool, with the former Real Madrid star impressing with his commanding performance at Anfield.

But the 30-year-old French defender, who is keen to extend his future at Old Trafford, was absent from the United squad for the West Ham clash due to illness.

Varane’s absence from the United squad opened the door for Ten Hag to turn to Kambwala and start him alongside Jonny Evans for the match against West Ham.

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United fans react to Kambwala’s performance vs West Ham

United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, praised Kambwala for stepping up in Varane’s absence on his debut for the club.

The 19-year-old United defender impressed with a steady showing against West Ham, with Kambwala producing a “solid debut” and looking “assured” in defence.

“Very decent intro to professional football for Willy Kambwala. Composed, strong and assured,” one fan said.

Someone else commented: “Exciting debut for Kambwala at Man Utd!”

Another added: “Yup, technically secure, works hard as well, and creativity is there, Kobbie [Mainoo] is special, and Kambwala [has] been solid, happy for him.”

“Kambwala hasn’t looked out of step, he’s done very well so far,” a fourth posted.

While a fifth tweeted: “Kambwala has had a solid debut. Hasn’t done anything wrong but also hasn’t done anything spectacular. If he keeps playing this way, it will be a solid debut for him.”

And a sixth wrote: “Kambwala, what a promising youngster.”

A seventh simply stated: “I [want] Kambwala to succeed and be our No 1 centre-back.”

Why did Ten Hag start Kambwala vs West Ham?

Ten Hag has previously used Luke Shaw as a makeshift centre-back this season and the United boss could have done the same with the England star against West Ham.

However, the 53-year-old Dutchman opted to put Shaw out at his preferred left-back role and Tottenham loanee Sergio Reguilon had to settle for a place on the bench.

Kambwala, who signed his first professional contract with United in 2021, secured his place in the Red Devils starting XI after impressing Ten Hag in training.

Speaking ahead of the West Ham clash, Ten Hag told TNT Sports (via the Manchester Evening News): “He’s calm, he’s made a good impression in training, but, of course, he’s inexperienced and this is a big moment for him.

“He’s athletic, calm on the ball and now he has his opportunity.”

Kambwala has been at Old Trafford since 2020 after United signed him from French side Sochaux for around £3.5m.

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