Willy Kambwala was one of four adolescents sighted working out with Erik ten Hag's first squad today in preparation for Manchester United's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
It is obvious that Ten Hag subscribes to the adage "if you're good enough, you're old enough."
Alejandro Garnacho, who turned 18 only last summer, has already established himself as a fixture in the Old Trafford senior squad, making crucial plays against teams like Fulham, West Ham United, and Manchester City.
When necessary, Facundo Pellistri has also excelled. Additionally, Kobbie Mainoo, 17, made his first-team debut against Charlton Athletic in January and was praised by his boss for his performance.
So long as they continue to shine behind the scenes at Carrington, people like Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Maxi Oyedele, Marc Jurado, and Willy Kambwala can be assured that opportunities will come their way.
Jurado, a 19-year-old ex-Barcelona player, recently traveled with the team for the 2-0 victory at Nottingham Forest. Oyedele, a Salford native, has excelled while on loan at Altrinham, tallying four goals in 12 National League contests.
Hansen-Aaroen, an U19 international for Norway, will be looking to follow in the Old Trafford footsteps of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ronny Johnsen. The fashionable center midfielder is a consistent member of United's reserve team.
Kambwala, a fellow 18-year-old, only recently pushed his way into the U23 lineup. The most recent of many talented young French center-halves, Manchester United acquired Kambwala from Sochaux in September 2020 for about £3.5 million.
Due to the injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Kambwala may be able to join Jurado in earning a spot in Ten Hag's matchday squad over the remainder of the season.
Kambwala climbed through the ranks across the Channel, much like current Bayern Munich goalkeeper Dayot Upamecano. The £36 million Bundesliga winner could have joined United as well if things had turned out differently, but he chose to make his name in Germany with RB Leipzig instead.
“I was meant to sign for Manchester United,” Upamecano told Onze Mondial recently.
“So, I said goodbye to everyone, thanked everyone and packed my bags. (But) I had to return to Valenciennes. It was really difficult. Everyone attacked me.
“And there, I understood one thing; when you are not sure of something, you should never say it. I learned that at 16, you have to hold your tongue.”
The midfielder is shown with a protective boot and crutches in a social media post by Bruno Fernandes' wife, who is married to the Manchester United player.
In the extra period of Sunday's FA Cup semifinal against Brighton, which United ultimately won on penalties, Fernandes was compelled to leave the game.
The Portugal international was unable to finish the game owing to an ankle injury, hence he was not included in those events.
During the first half of the game, there was a difficulty, and according to ESPN, there was debate on the bench over whether to substitute him.
Fernandes, though, stayed on the field for the entire 90 minutes and was obviously frustrated when Erik ten Hag decided to take him off the field of play.
For the duration of the match, he remained on the sidelines, instructing his teammates as they sought to make their first FA Cup final appearance since 2016.
The magnitude of the injuries is now a source of significant concern.
The player's wife, Ana Pinho, shared a photo of Fernandes with a'recharging' emoji on Instagram, showing him with protection over his ankle.
The United star is also shown with two leg splints on and a pair of crutches; the club has not yet disclosed the nature of the player's injury or his participation in Thursday's game against Tottenham.
According to ESPN, Fernandes was scheduled to be evaluated on Monday, and his participation in the match appeared to depend on the results of those evaluations.
Any absence would be a serious setback for United, who are hoping to win that game to boost their chances of finishing in the top four and guaranteeing their qualification for the Champions League the following season.
Trouble for Man United in Bruno's absence
United has struggled this season without Fernandes, suffering three of its four losses when he has not started. The most recent one was last week's humiliation at the hands of Sevilla.
United's midfielders have sustained numerous injuries throughout the course of the season, and manager Erik ten Hag is well aware of the need to improve in that area.
The value of the Portugal international is clear to all, but the team should sign a capable backup player because he cannot be counted on to play in every match.
Donny van de Beek's attempt to fill that role earlier in the season was unsuccessful, so a versatile player who can play all in the middle of the park would be the ideal addition.
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