Manchester United youngster Willy Kambwala is followed in the footsteps of previous academy stars by making the step up to the first team.
Willy Kambwala is now up to seven first team appearances for Manchester United. Sunday against Liverpool was his second ever start, and his first of 2024.
It came at Old Trafford in an intense fixture against title-chasing Liverpool, and the former Sochaux prospect did not his manager or teammates down.
If anything, Kambwala made his colleagues proud, with Harry Maguire lauding him as ‘magnificent’.
Willy Kambwala sends message
Willy Kambwala was lauded on MUTV as ‘unbelievable’, while former star Rio Ferdinand picked him out as his man of the match.
Manchester United drew 2-2 against Liverpool, heading to a win until a penalty was called against Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Reflecting on the game, Kambwala wrote on Instagram: “Proud to have made my first premier league start at Home. Disappointed not to have taken the 3 points but what a fight. Thank you for your incredible support Old Trafford❤️ With God everything is possible.”
Three words among Kambwala’s message catch the eye, ‘what a fight’. The youngster was visibly in the spirit of the contest and looked pumped up to be taking on Manchester United’s rivals.
It was the type of game where some players might go into their shell, and crumble under the pressure. Kambwala seemed to thrive on it, and raise his own game for the occasion.
It looks like Manchester United have a real prospect, with Erik ten Hag working closely with him this season to get him ready for a moment like this.
Responses to Willy Kambwala
Kambwala hopes to follow in Kobbie Mainoo’s footsteps by establishing himself as a first team regular for the club.
Mainoo was one of his colleagues to respond to his message, writing ‘Big dog’ in response to his teammate.
Maxi Oyedele described him as a ‘brick wall’, with several other congratulatory messages coming his way too.
Kambwala deserves his praise. His first Old Trafford start coming against Liverpool was a circumstance which could have gone very wrong, it has tripped up numerous experienced players in the past. The teenager stepped up and performed like a real star.
