{"id":377431,"date":"2026-01-18T20:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T20:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/377431\/"},"modified":"2026-01-18T20:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T20:34:09","slug":"willy-kambwala-names-the-man-utd-player-whose-talent-genuinely-shocked-him-in-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/377431\/","title":{"rendered":"Willy Kambwala names the Man Utd player whose talent genuinely shocked him in training"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s been almost two years since Willy Kambwala left Manchester United, but the DR Congo centre-back has reflected on which player surprised him most during that period.<\/p>\n

Willy Kambwala<\/a> made 10 appearances after graduating from Manchester United\u2019s academy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The defender made his senior debut for United in December 2023, starting in a Premier League<\/a> match against West Ham.<\/p>\n

Kambwala had to wait until the following April to make his second senior start, in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Old Trafford<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udc47 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say <\/p>\n

Despite getting opportunities under Erik ten Hag<\/a>, Kambwala was sold to Villarreal<\/a> in 2024.<\/p>\n

Ineos cashed in on Kambwala to strengthen the club\u2019s profit and sustainability rating, with the same excuse used that summer when Scott McTominay<\/a> left to join Napoli before winning the Serie A title in his first season away from United.<\/p>\n

Kambwala has been unlucky with injuries<\/a> at Villarreal since leaving United. His last appearance came in July 2025, in a pre-season friendly against Genoa.<\/p>\n

\"AmadPhoto by Ash Donelon\/Manchester United via Getty ImagesWilly Kambwala surprised by Amad Diallo after \u2018tough\u2019 start<\/p>\n

Kambwala has been reflecting on his time at United during his recovery from injury.<\/p>\n

The 21-year-old initially emerged from United\u2019s academy<\/a> with plenty of promise, but injuries have hindered his development in Spain.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shame because Kambwala showed glimpses in a United shirt that he is a good defender. He would be an addition to many teams, including Villarreal, if only he could stay fit.<\/p>\n

Speaking to El After de Post United<\/a> podcast, Kambwala revealed how Amad Diallo\u2019s<\/a> rise to prominence made him the most surprising player he encountered at United.<\/p>\n

When asked which player surprised him the most at United for having the most quality, Kambwala said: \u201cAmad Diallo.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. He also had a difficult time when he signed for United, you know? His first two seasons were very tough, and he signed for \u20ac40 million.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone thought, \u2018Whoa, \u20ac40 million?\u2019 And of course, I didn\u2019t know him before this. I was thinking, \u2018\u20ac40 million, he didn\u2019t play much, what\u2019s going on?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then in training, my friend, you see, \u2018Ah, okay, now I understand the \u20ac40 million.\u2019 Incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

What did Erik ten Hag say after Willy Kambwala impressed against Liverpool?<\/p>\n

Kambwala had most United fans<\/a> excited after his performance in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.<\/p>\n

It was his second start for the club and despite being thrown in at the deep end, Ten Hag had complete trust in the youngster after watching him closely in training.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe decision to bring Willy in is because he has been a long time training with us and, in his first game against West Ham United, he also did very well, his progress is amazing,\u201d Ten Hag said, as per ManUtd.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring training, we didn\u2019t have any doubts and, for instance, we could have also brought Casemiro down and then bring another midfielder in.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliant.\u201d<\/p>\n

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