Having moved from Sochaux to Manchester United in the summer of 2020, Willy Kambwala did not necessarily think he would experience such an evolution with the English club. Having left the Cubs for his favorite club for three million euros when he was one of the nuggets of the Franche-Comté club, he knew how to refine his game to slowly, but surely, get closer to the first team. Robust at his height of 92 meters, fast and having little apprehension in duels, Willy Kambwala is also not left out with the use of the ball with a good long game. In a season where Manchester United was only able to count too rarely on Lisandro Martinez and Raphaël Varane weighed down by injuries, he made his professional debut on December 23 against West Ham in a 2-0 loss alongside Jonny Evans (Victor Lindelöf, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were injured, Raphaël Varane too tight was on the bench).
Before the meeting, Erik ten Hag was very calm about the use of the young Frenchman: “he is calm, he made a very good impression in training. Of course he doesn’t have experience, it’s a big moment for him. He’s strong, poised with the ball and today we’re giving him his chance.” If he delivered a sober performance, like his team he suffered a very logical 2-0 setback. Having remained in the group since then, he has now made 8 appearances for the first team for 236 minutes of play. But his last outing against Liverpool was rather convincing where he was decisive in the 2-2 match won by the Mancuniens.
A remarkable performance against Liverpool
Once again weighed down by injuries, Manchester United moved forward with the young Frenchman to support Harry Maguire. A tandem that worked well against the Reds since both men were very solid. Author of 2 interceptions, won 3 duels out of 4 and author of 5 clearances, he quickly showed that he was capable of meeting the level required by the Red Devils. And the English press appreciated the personality displayed by the player. “Only his second start for United and drew applause from Erik ten Hag for a recovery tackle to make it 1-0 which proved crucial before Manchester United equalized”noted the Manchester Evening News before giving it a 7/10. Same assessment from The Telegraph which relied on his physical qualities: ‘hired in central defense due to United’s injury crisis at the back, the youngster enjoyed the physical duel with Darwin Nunez’.
A 7/10 also given by the Daily Mail : “he didn’t seem perturbed during what was only his second senior start. The 19-year-old enjoyed his fight against Darwin Nunez and won more often than not. Among the main key elements of his team in this part, he seduces his coach Erik ten Hag who is counting on him for the future as he explained to TNT Sports after the meeting: “When old soldiers die, new ones must arrive. Willy Kambwala trains with the group. He started the match against West Ham, where he did very well. His progress in training is impressive. We had no doubt about playing him. We could have chosen, for example, to play Casemiro in defense and bring in another midfielder, but we were confident that Kambwala could do the job. He did very well. We are very happy and satisfied with his performance.”
The main person concerned is him in the middle of a dream. After the match, he could not let go of his joy after such a great performance and knows that he has scored points for the end of the season: “I’m really proud of the match, of the team, of everyone, of all my teammates too. We didn’t take the three points, so it’s still a little frustrating (…) But I’m still very proud of the match and what I was able to accomplish. It’s my job, it’s my passion. I know what I have to do on the pitch. I know that I have to give everything from the first moment, to impress and enjoy (…) I am proud to represent this badge, this team and, I hope, more things will happen in the future. Despite a slaughter in defense, Manchester United breathes a little more with Willy Kambwala. The Frenchman knows he has a chance to play and is taking full advantage of it.
