Manchester United youngster Willy Kambwala STARTS against West Ham as Erik ten Hag hands 19-year-old his debut… but Raphael Varane is nowhere to be seen in the matchday squad
- Willy Kambwala has been handed his first senior start for Manchester United
- The 19-year-old partnered Jonny Evans in defense for the club's trip to West Ham
- CHRIS SUTTON: Nuno Espirito Santo's appointment at Forest is disappointing – Listen to It all starts
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 against Liverpool last week, but did not play.
Kambwala joined the Sochaux club in 2020 and has made six appearances in the UEFA Youth League this season.
The 6ft 1in centre-back is expected to partner Jonny Evans at the heart of the club's defense as Erik ten Hag's side attempt to record consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League away from home for the second time this season.
Meanwhile, Raphael Varane was noticeably absent from United's squad for the match at the London Stadium.
Willy Kambwala has been named in the starting line-up for Man United's trip to West Ham
The match 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
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 match for the third time this season.
Varane has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks. According to reports, the former Real Madrid star's contract could expire at the end of the season, although United retain an option for a further 12 months.
However, despite rumors of a feud with Ten Hag, Varane is said to be keen for the club to activate 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. Ten Hag suggested in his pre-match press conference that the latter is expected to return next month.
