Manchester United have suffered another defensive injury blow, with two players ruled out, it could be an opportunity for one player.
This time last week, things were looking positive for Erik ten Hag as he was coming off that Liverpool win.
Along with this win which we all assumed would build momentum, was the excitement over returns for the likes of Lisandro Martinez.
But now a week later, we’ve had to watch a horrendous Manchester United outing against Brentford, and it’s been confirmed that both Martinez and Victor Lindelof are facing at least a month on the sidelines.
A massive blow, at a crucial point in the season.
This leaves just Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire as the two fit senior centre-backs, and both are unlikely to remain fit themselves.
So this could open up a real opportunity for a talented teen to impress…
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Willy Kambwala could be handed a huge opportunity amid injury woes
The injury crisis could hand 19-year-old Willy Kambwala his chance to shine for United.
He’s already made himself a regular name in Ten Hag’s squad this season.
However, the latest double injury blow could see him take the next step and potentially get significant minutes – he’s only played 107 this season so far.
While he hasn’t lit the world alight so far during his first season as a senior, there are positive signs, as his FotMob stats show.
- 70.65 successful passes per 90
- 88.4 per cent pass completion
- 90.84 touches per 90
- 0.84 duels won per 90
Some huge areas of improvement are needed, but he’s shown enough to suggest he deserves an opportunity with a consistent run of games and the next month may see him get just that.
If he takes his chance – he could even find himself becoming a prevalent player in Ten Hag’s planning for next season.
This is as it’s assumed that the centre-back department will be overhauled in the summer.
Louis Jackson could also be in with a chance for Manchester United
Kambwala is probably the likeliest defensive youngster to benefit from the disaster that is the current senior group’s injuries.
But others might end up also getting a call from Ten Hag, one of which being Louis Jackson.
The 18-year-old has been a regular feature of the impressive U18 side this season and has recently begun to impress for the U21 side too.
He’s a Scotland U19 international and we think he’d be next in line should Ten Hag find himself short.
An exciting defensive prospect we wouldn’t mind seeing called into the senior squad.
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