Erik ten Hag has handed 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala his senior debut in Manchester United's trip to West Ham.
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Ten Hag hands teenage defender debut19-year-old Kambwala starts vs West HamRashford named on bench againWHAT HAPPENED?
With United suffering an injury crisis in defence, Ten Hag has decided to start teenage Kambwala at centre-back at the London Stadium. The French youth international has never played a single minute of senior football before. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has again been named on the bench despite recovering from illness.
AdvertisementWHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID
When asked about Kambwala by TNT Sports ahead of the game, Ten Hag said: "He's calm, he made a good impression in training. Of course, he's inexperienced and it's a big moment for him. He's athletic, calm on the ball and now he has his opportunity."
Getty THE BIGGER PICTURE:
United are without defender Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia through injury, while Raphael Varane is ill and Diogo Dalot is suspended after his sending-off against Liverpool last weekend. Midfielder Casemiro – who can deputise in defence – is also injured. The only fit senior centre-back in Ten Hag's squad is 35-year-old Jonny Evans, who partners Kambwala at the back.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KAMBWALA AND UNITED?
With the likes of Maguire, Martinez and Lindelof not expected back until next month, a good performance from Kambwala could see the youngster feature against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.