Playing at Old Trafford seemed like an unattainable goal for Willy Kambwala, but his breakthrough stands as one of the success stories of Manchester United’s season.
Kambwala made his debut in December
Out of the six signings Manchester United made on the lengthy transfer deadline day in October 2020, only one was in the starting lineup against Liverpool last week.
Willy Kambwala was just 16 years and 61 days old when he signed his contract, overseen by his agent Darren Dein, the son of former Arsenal chief executive David Dein. Kambwala’s arrival from Sochaux didn’t receive the attention it deserved on United’s social media platforms, as the focus was on signings like Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Facundo Pellistri, and Amad.
However, a message circulated among United staff members early that evening hinted at the club’s high hopes for Kambwala, as they had taken an unveiling photo—a rarity for academy signings.
That same summer saw the arrivals of Marc Jurado, Alvaro Fernandez, and Alejandro Garnacho from Spain, just before the deadline for English clubs to sign overseas players under the age of 18 due to Brexit regulations. Garnacho, unlike Kambwala, didn’t have an unveiling photo taken.
The €4 million committed by United to sign Kambwala was the lone amount disclosed from the ‘Brexit Babes’ recruitment. Moreover, Kambwala was the sole individual among them who had previously visited Old Trafford.
It was April 2018. Matchday. The atmosphere buzzed outside the east stand of Old Trafford despite the rain, with United fans jubilant after disrupting City’s title hopes with a thrilling comeback at the Etihad the week before.
Facing relegation-threatened West Brom, United needed a win to prolong City’s title wait. Supporters and tourists alike captured images of the iconic Sir Matt Busby statue, symbolizing the club’s rich history. Meanwhile, a group of French teenagers from Les Ulis, a semi-professional team near Paris, marveled at legends like Best, Law, and Charlton. Among them, a young United fan, Kambwala, expressed his dream of one day playing for the club.
Fast forward two and a half years, Kambwala finds himself near the Trinity statue inside Hotel Football, with a view overlooking Old Trafford. Inside the stadium, Tottenham is humiliating United with a 6-1 lead. However, Kambwala’s face beams with joy—he has just signed for his beloved club.
Kambwala on the day he signed for United
The surreal sight of Liverpool conceding seven goals at Aston Villa likely lifted his spirits, even though he spoke minimal English at the time. Now, he’s fluent.
From the time Kambwala signed until his debut, 1,174 days elapsed. Despite significant injuries, he managed fewer than 30 appearances for the Under-18s, Under-19s, and Under-21s during his first three seasons in the academy.
On the night United clinched the FA Youth Cup in May 2022, Garnacho and Jurado started the match, while Fernandez, a year older, rushed onto the pitch at the final whistle in his tracksuit to celebrate with his teammates. In contrast, Kambwala was clad in his Paul Smith club suit.
Kambwala is a rarity among United academy graduates as he never played in the Youth Cup. He sat on the bench as an unused substitute during the third-round victory over Scunthorpe United at Leigh and the semi-final triumph over Wolves at Old Trafford. There was a risk that this would be the closest he would ever come to playing in the stadium he first visited at the age of 13.
Kambwala enjoys the FA Youth Cup win
Just last week, the 19-year-old Kambwala confidently emerged from the Stretford End tunnel for British football’s biggest game. Making his full home debut against a formidable frontline featuring Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah, he acquitted himself admirably, earning applause from Erik ten Hag for a decisive challenge on Nunez.
As one of only two fit center-backs available, Kambwala is set to start against Bournemouth today and potentially at Wembley next week. Amidst a season plagued by injury crises, Kambwala, once prone to injuries himself, has managed to stay fit, securing a long-awaited breakthrough.
His resurgence stands as one of United’s success stories this season. During pre-season, Kambwala traveled to the United States with the academy squad. Despite starting behind Will Fish, who was loaned to Hibernian, in the eventful 3-1 defeat to Wrexham in San Diego, Kambwala only saw 16 minutes of action.
Known for his dedication, Kambwala typically arrives for training two-and-a-half hours before the scheduled time. Engaging in extensive injury prevention exercises before sessions, he has maintained fitness throughout the campaign.
Kambwala (second from left) at Old Trafford in April 2013
He was named on the bench for the first time less than four months ago at Anfield. Six days later, he was parachuted into the starting XI at West Ham in the absence of the unwell Raphael Varane. The Gallic guard change resumed against Liverpool last week.
When Kambwala’s starting status at West Ham was confirmed, a well-placed United source credited the now departed football director John Murtough with recruiting him as part of the restocking at youth level. Those were the words of a dying man by proxy.
A devout Christian, Kambwala reads the bible in the dressing room before kick-off and attends church whenever United’s schedule permits. That faith will have provided comfort and reassurance during the months of torturous rehabilitation. Sources who deal with the United players say Kambwala is relentlessly positive and lesser characters would have crumbled amid several setbacks.
Those who work at Carrington say Kambwala is one of the most enthusiastic players at the club. “You can tell he’s buzzing to be around the training ground every day,” one said.
Kambwala enjoys the EFL Trophy victory over Stockport
Staff members have also been impressed by Kambwala’s politeness. Despite the first team car park being located at the rear of the main building, Kambwala consistently enters and exits through the front door, taking the time to converse with the long-serving receptionist Kath Phipps. He continues to reside in the academy accommodations.
He shares a particularly close bond with Andre Onana, who serves as a supportive mentor. Their connection as goalkeeper and defender could prove instrumental in United’s upcoming matches.
The connection between Les Ulis and United goes beyond Martial, as Patrice Evra also honed his skills there during his youth. In January, Kambwala returned to Les Ulis to present them with his own shirt, which now proudly hangs on the clubhouse wall.