Steve Nicol has issued his verdict on the performance of Willy Kambwala as Manchester United drew with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Willy Kambwala kept his place in Manchester United’s defence for the trip to face Andoni Iraola’s side. Kambwala had been extremely impressive in the draw with Liverpool last week.
Unfortunately, it proved to be a much tougher afternoon for the 19-year-old on the south coast.
Kambwala slipped in the build-up to Dominic Solanke scoring the opening goal. And he did not put Justin Kluivert under enough pressure for the second Bournemouth goal.
It was also his challenge which led to the Cherries being awarded a late penalty. Thankfully for Kambwala, the VAR deemed that the challenge was made outside the penalty area.
Pundit reacts as Willy Kambwala struggles in Manchester United draw
And speaking to ESPN, Steve Nicol suggested that Kambwala’s inexperience became apparent in the draw on Saturday.
“Well, I’m afraid he was at fault for both Bournemouth goals. As good as he’s played in his other starts, he looked like a 19-year-old today,” he said.
“He falls over on the first goal because he gets his feet in the wrong place. And then, second goal, he doesn’t close the ball properly. If he gets closer to Kluivert then he maybe can block the shot. But at the very least, you’ve got to be closer than he was. You have to step out. You can’t keep just backing off. So yeah, it wasn’t his day.”
Erik ten Hag may face dilemma over youngster
It is probably not a nice time to be a young Manchester United defender. Of course, their struggles have opened the door for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to become key men.
But Manchester United concede way too many shots. And thus, it was no surprise to see Kambwala tested – against one of the most in-form strikers in the Premier League.
The good news is that the United fans are going to give the former France under-16 international time to find his feet. Ultimately, this has not been a positive season. And the supporters can see what a difficult task the younger players have got.
It was good to see Kambwala tested on Saturday. And it will be interesting to see how he now responds in the next few games – if ten Hag gives him the chance to immediately make amends.
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