Manchester United youngster Willy Kambwala made the leap in 2023/24, making his first team debut for the club.
Now is not the time to ease up, and Willy Kambwala appears to realise that. A big chance awaits him in 2024/25, and he is keen to try and take advantage.
Kambwala made 10 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions last season in central defence, taking his spot amid an injury crisis.
A late season injury halted his progress, denying him an opportunity to start in the FA Cup semi-final and following matches.
Willy Kambwala training during off-season
Willy Kambwala is one of the players who is not on international duty this summer, so he could fly off and enjoy the sun on holiday.
Instead, the Frenchman is using the off-season to work on his fitness, sharing images from inside a gym wearing a Manchester United training top.
He captions the image ‘No days off’, showing a committed attitude to his fitness.
Centre-back opportunities
Willy Kambwala knows this summer is a big one for him to shape his future at Manchester United.
Raphael Varane has already left the club, and doubts persist over Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire.
United are expected to buy at least one centre-back, targeting Jarrad Branthwaite, but Kambwala will want to remain in the mix.
He will be keen to make an impression during pre-season, where he can show Erik ten Hag that he is ready to make a further leap forward.
If Ten Hag believes Kambwala can be a regular in his squad next season, that may make him keener to part ways with one of the older defenders in the squad.