Willy Kambwala: Fans React as Ten Hag Starts 3 Teenagers vs West Ham

• Erik ten Hag named a fairly youthful side to face West Ham on Saturday, December 23
• The first XI featured academy graduate Willy Kambwala
• United could temporarily leap to sixth with a win over the Hammers

Football fans all said the same thing after spotting Erik ten Hag’s starting XI against West Ham United.

The Red Devils are looking to bounce back to winning ways after a 0-0 draw against Liverpool in their last Premier League outing.

Ahead of the game against the Hammers, the biggest news was the presence of youngster Willy Kambwala, who was handed a rare start by Ten Hag.

The visitors also have Bruno Fernandes back in action after the Portugal superstar served a one game ban after collecting a fifth yellow card of the season in the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

Rulani Mokwena: Mamelodi Sundowns Manager Backs Peter Shalulile to Break Longstanding PSL Record

Football

Kambwala’s deployment at the heart of defence almost looked like a forced one for Ten Hag, who is still without Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo

Notably, Ten Hag named three teenagers in the starting XI as Kambwala was joined by Kobbie Mainoo and winger Alejandro Garnacho, 19.

Here is United’s full starting XI for the game against West Ham:

Andre Onana, Aaron Wan Bissaka, Willy Kambwala, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Scot McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund.

Here are some reactions from fans after seeing United’s starting XI:

@Usmanbe70333313 said:

"Why are championing playing a young player, I hope he has a great game but that's how low we feel."

@mosali_99 added:

"I've got to be honest, I've never heard of this kid. Does anyone know if he's good?"

@BukamuT joked:

"Kambwala is just another Tuanzebe,"

@Esoninja asked:

Jorginho gets engaged: Courtois, Lautaro Martinez and other football players who got married in 2023

Football

"Who be Kambwala? This club no go stress me."

Who is Willy Kambwala

Kambwala joined United as a promising youngster in 2020 from Ligue 2 side Sochaux.

Despite being only 19, the DR Congo-born Kambwala is quite tall, standing at an impressive height of 6ft 4in.

This is the first time he has broken into the first team, although he has been named on the bench on several occasions in the past.

On international level, the 19-year old represents France and captained the U-17 side when he was just 16, according to SportBible.