Man Utd promote 18-year-old ‘massive talent’ to first-team ahead of Tottenham clash amid defensive injury crisis

MANCHESTER UNITED youngster Willy Kambwala was promoted to first-team training on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old centre-back was only recently included in the Red Devils’ U23s side.

Manchester United teenager Willy Kambwala has been promoted to the first teamGetty

But he has already impressed enough to force Erik ten Hag into having a closer look at him.

Kambwala arrived at Old Trafford from Sochaux for £3.5million in September 2020.

And he has entered the fray at a time when Man Utd are stretched at centre-back.

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are both sidelined with injuries.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof did little to make a case for themselves in the 3-0 loss to Sevilla on Thursday evening.

And Luke Shaw deputising at centre-half is not an ideal alternative for Ten Hag.

With a clash against Tottenham on Thursday, United could all but secure a place in the top four with a win.

And that may allow Ten Hag to experiment with some youngsters in their subsequent Premier League games – before they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

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But United fans are not concerned if the inexperienced Kambwala is to be thrown in at the deep end.

One said: “Delighted for him. He has had a stinking few years with injuries, he was signed as a massive talent.”

Another added: “Just seen YouTube highlights of him, very much an Erik ten Hag player. Wants the ball at feet and passes out from the back…”

And a third replied: “Erik ten Hag slowly integrating these young stars. Hopefully we see some debuts before the end of the season.”