Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is overseeing the development of teenage defensive sensation Willy Kambwala.
Amidst a defensive injury crisis for Manchester United late in the previous year, Willy Kambwala was given a surprise debut; nonetheless, manager Erik ten Hag would not have started him if he did not believe he could step up.
Since then, the academy product has consistently been included in matchday squads and has made four appearances overall, three of which have come as substitutes.
Lisandro Martinez’s latest setback has highlighted Manchester United’s need for defensive depth, and Kambwala is one of them.
Erik ten Hag gives an arm to Kambwala.
while their private one-on-one conversation while training at Carrington, Willy Kambwala and Erik ten Hag exchanged some advise.
After relocating from Sochaux to Manchester United in 2020, 19-year-old Kambwala suffered from injuries that prevented him from competing in the FA Youth Cup final in 2022.
Now that he’s caught up, he’s studying the first team regulars and has recently cited Nemanja Vidic as an inspiration.
Patrice Evra and Kambwala attended the same Les Ulis academy, and the Champions League-winning left-back recently gave Kambwala some support.
Erik ten Hag is devoting his time to Kambwala because he plays centre back, a position where Manchester United is in need of youthful potential.
Erik ten Hag personally encouraged Kobbie Mainoo.
It is hard to avoid making comparisons to the moments from the Carabao Cup final, when Erik ten Hag went over to Kobbie Mainoo, who wasn’t in the matchday team, placed an arm around him, and gave him some words of wisdom and support.
Ten Hag had selected Mainoo for his debut a month prior, and based on his usage this season, it was evident that Ten Hag had high expectations for him.
Willy Kambwala is at a similar developmental period, having just received his debut, been marginalized, and aspired to eventually break through to become a regular.
Making the move to Manchester United is a hefty ask for him, but Ten Hag has demonstrated with Kobbie Mainoo that he will intend to utilize him if he feels strongly enough.
His shoulder-to-shoulder hug and intimate contact convey his concern. Real talk: Kambwala might be the next regular call-up for United after Mainoo, who came in after Alejandro Garnacho the previous season.
The manager is giving him time; it is now Kambwala’s responsibility to take advantage of these opportunities and heed his guidance.