Erik ten Hag had injuries and illness to consider in his squad when naming his starting eleven against West Ham.
The Dutchman named three changes to his Manchester United team, but only one anybody is talking about is Raphael Varane being out (again) with illness and Willy Kambwala starting at centre-back alongside the experienced Jonny Evans.
It’s a huge test for the teenager on his debut and means Ten Hag has selected 10 different central defensive pairings so far this season.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the game, Ten Hag confirmed that Varane would out with illness and explained why Kambwala got the nod: “He’s calm and he made a good impression in training. Of course, he is unexperienced and this is a big moment for him. He’s athletic, calm on the ball, and now he has his opportunity.”
"We had the two best chances of the game against Liverpool!"
Erik ten Hag talks squad selection and rotation against West Ham… 🙌
🎙️ @lynseyhipgrave1 pic.twitter.com/xf6YSY3gXK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 23, 2023
The French youngster has been with United for three years, making a name for himself in the youth teams.
In 2020, he joined from Ligue 2 side Sochaux for around £3.5 million when he was just 16-years-old. Now he is getting his chance to perform in the Premier League against West Ham.
Kambwala has shown his speed, confidence and fair in the youth teams. Hopefully he can replicate that today.
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