Defender Kambwala could be Main man like Kobbie

BY

KOBBIE MAINOO scored a spectacular goal for the ages against Liverpool to underline his potential as a superstar in the making.

But while that Manchester United graduate was making headlines at one end of the pitch, another was showing his potential at the other.

United teenager Willy Kambwala made his first start at Old Trafford on Sunday with a performance full of maturity, strength and outstanding defending against their fiercest rivals.

It was one hell of a test – and he passed it with flying colours.

Kambwala, 19, dealt with the treble threat of

Liverpool forwards

Darwin Nunez,

Mohamed Salah and

Luis Diaz and, while United were hanging on at times, they still emerged with a point.

Mainoo has deservedly taken so many plaudits this season after his emergence as an outstanding midfielder for club and country.

His last-gasp winner at Wolves at the start of February showed he is ready to win games for United and his stunning strike against Liverpool proved he can also step up on the biggest occasion.

Now Kambwala showed he is ready to follow in similar footsteps in United’s best tradition.

He was born in Congo, has captained France at

Under-16 level, and endured nearly a year out through injury until September

2021, which has meant he has gone slightly under the radar.

But after coming on against Chelsea last week, his performance against Liverpool alongside Harry Maguire (the pair, above) showed he is a serious player who, like Mainoo, is ready to take his chance.

Kambwala showed his passion for the badge and the club’s tradition in giving academy graduates a chance, and his emotive words showed how much it meant to him.

“It’s my job, it’s my passion,” said Kambwala (with United assistant coach Steve Mcclaren, below). “I know what I need to do on the pitch. I know I need to give everything from the first moment, to impress and to enjoy it.

“And I know, like every time I have the opportunity to be on the pitch, I need to give everything to leave everything on the pitch. I’m very proud. Very grateful. Thanks, God. Thanks to the manager. Thanks to all the staff for the opportunity they gave to me.

“I know all the players who come through the academy. I’m proud to represent this badge, this team and, hopefully, there is more to come together in the future.”

Kambwala also insisted that, despite Liverpool dominating, United were disappointed not to win all three points considering they led so late on. His stats also revealed he won 100 percent of his ground duels and completed an impressive 29 passes.

He added: “I’m really proud of the game, of the team, of everyone, of all my team-mates as well.

“We didn’t take the three points, so it is still a bit frustrating, and I’m disappointed about that because we know we should win the game.

“We had it under control. We fought really well together. We stick together, we defend well at the back with the keeper, with everyone, and we know we should keep the three points at the end.

“But, still, I am really proud of the game and what I could achieve.”