- Willy Kambwala has been handed his first senior start for Manchester United
- 19-year-old partnered with Jonny Evans in defence for club’s trip to West Ham
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Manchester United have named 19-year-old Willy Kambwala in the starting line up for their trip to West Ham.
The France youth international was on the bench for United’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool last week but did not feature.
Kambwala joined the club from Sochaux in 2020, and has made six appearances in the UEFA Youth League this season.
The 6ft 4in centre back was partnered alongside Jonny Evans in the heart of the club’s defence as Erik ten Hag’s side attempted to record successive Premier League clean sheets away from home for just the second time this season.
Diogo Dalot was unavailable following his sending off on Sunday, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka replacing him on the right side of defence while Sofyan Amrabat was named on the bench in place of a returning Bruno Fernandes.
Willy Kambwala has been named in the starting lineup for Man United’s trip to West Ham
The fixture marks the 19-year-old’s senior debut for the club he joined from Sochaux in 2020
Meanwhile Raphael Varane was noticeably absent from the club’s matchday squad
Meanwhile Raphael Varane was noticeably absent from United’s matchday squad for the clash at the London Stadium.
The 30-year-old made his first Premier League start since September in United’s draw at Anfield, playing the full 90 minutes in a league fixture for just the third time this season.
Varane has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks, with reports noting that the former Real Madrid star’s contract could expire at the end of the season, though United maintain an option for another 12 months.
However, despite rumours of a falling out with Ten Hag, Varane is said to be keen on the club activating the clause to extend his stay at the club until the summer of 2025.
Meanwhile the Dutchman’s other options at centre back, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez remain unavailable, with Ten Hag suggesting in his pre-match press conference the latter is expected to return next month.
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