Erik ten Hag handed Willy Kambwala his Manchester United debut against West Ham (Picture: Gety)
Erik ten Hag has lavished praise on Willy Kambwala after the Manchester United youngster impressed on senior debut against West Ham.
The defender was thrust into the starting line-up following a raft of injuries to his senior centre-backs.
United slipped to another damaging defeat after the concession of two late goals, but Kambwala’s composed display represented one of the few encouraging aspects of another day to forget for the under-fire Ten Hag.
‘So we had five centre-backs who started the season,’ said Ten Hag in his post match press conference. ‘Today we had three or four who were ill or injured. And then you go and swap positions in the team.
‘But he makes a good impression in training and during games of the Under-21s. So we decided to play him. I think he has shown he has the capabilities.
‘I think his performance was very solid. You can see has a very bright future. Of course he has to work on himself, but you can see his potential and we are very pleased, I think, with his performance.’
Asked if if Kambwala has the skills to become a modern-day centre-back, Ten Hag added: ‘As we’ve seen in this game, I think we have we seen many skills for a modern centre-back and as I say, I’m very pleased with his performance.’
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Ten Hag, meanwhile, admits Manchester United need to get Old Trafford rocking in a bid to put their season back on track.
United host high-flying Aston Villa on Boxing Day, three days after slumping to a 2-0 defeat at the London stadium, in what will be their first game since it was announced that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club.
The Hammers defeat was their 13th loss in 26 matches this term, and a 20th defeat in 2023 – their worst tally in a calendar year since 1989.
More: Trending
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp criticised the atmosphere at Anfield following their Carabao Cup win over the Hammers last week, and Ten Hag knows he needs to give the Old Trafford faithful something to shout about.
‘I am sure they are very disappointed in us and we have to put things right and do things different,’ said the United chief.
‘We appreciate all the time they are supporting us. With all the setbacks this season, they are all the time behind us and we really appreciate that. Of course we need any help but first of all I and the team have to do it.’
MORE : Former Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward in contention for Manchester United role
MORE : Raphael Varane eager to leave Manchester United and return to Real Madrid in January
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.