Why Man United starlet should be given pre-season chance to prove his first-team worth

Man United starlet, Willy Kambwala, should be next in line to make his first-team breakthrough at Old Trafford.

Manchester United ended a turbulent campaign with a trophy. Erik ten Hag and his players deserve immense credit for beating the world’s best team in the final.

Building for next term is now well underway. Will Ten Hag remain in charge? We’ll see. However, the Dutchman has offered a glimpse into how this side will be successful; trusting in youth.

INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are keen to carry on that mantra, with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo leading the way. It’s not only their goals in the cup final, it’s their overall attitude, work ethic and output.

Several other teenagers are knocking at the door for regular first-team minutes. Shea Lacey appears to be nearing the front of the queue, while Toby Collyer has found himself in amongst it of late. However, for us, there’s one standout; Willy Kambwala.

The centre-half has been drip-fed minutes this term, including a start back in December against West Ham United. It’s easy to forget how calm and composed Kambwala was in that game. He was probably United’s best player.

Kambwala is good with the ball at feet, which feels like a requirement in the modern-day game. He’s also super composed under pressure. Having that temperament is another massive plus. Particularly at the centre-half position.

What I like most about the DR Congo-born player is his passion for United. He’s just a fan like you and me. He genuinely cares, too, which is more than can be said for some players within that dressing room.

From geeing up the crowd at Wembley at the weekend, to singing famous United chants while warming up along the Old Trafford sidelines, this kid just understands what it means to wear that devil on his chest.

What’s most important is the fact that Kambwala can play. He’s shown it during limited minutes, while I expect we’ll be treated to a heavy dose of the centre-half during the upcoming pre-season tour.

Raphael Varane has left. Jonny Evans (and others) may follow. There’s now a gaping hole for Kambwala within that dressing room. Even if the club push ahead and complete a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite, I’d give Kambwala a great chance at moving up the pecking order over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.

Regardless of whether it’s Ten Hag in charge or not, I hope that the manager will realise just how impactful introducing Kambwala into the team could be. This young man can play.

Pre-season is undoubtedly the best time to make that introduction happen. He’ll get further sense of what it means to play for the biggest club on the planet, in front of the best supporters in the world. It’ll also make him feel far more comfortable in that senior dressing room, which obviously isn’t a bad thing.

Do you think Willy Kambwala is ready? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.