Willy Kambwala, in just his second start for Manchester United, has been given the opportunity to showcase his skills in their highly anticipated Premier League match against Liverpool. The 19-year-old will be partnering with Harry Maguire in central defense at Old Trafford, as Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are sidelined due to injuries sustained in the previous 4-3 defeat against Chelsea. Kambwala’s inclusion adds to Erik ten Hag’s defensive woes, with Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof also unavailable.

With the absence of these four center-backs due to injuries, Ten Hag has chosen Kambwala to impress on this significant stage as Manchester United aims to return to winning ways. This will be Kambwala’s eighth appearance for United and his second start at the senior level, following his full debut in the 2-0 loss to West Ham in December.

Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with Kambwala’s performance after his senior debut, describing it as solid and highlighting the defender’s potential for a successful future. The United manager emphasized Kambwala’s skills as a modern center-back and expressed his pleasure with the young player’s overall performance.

Kambwala, who previously captained France at the Under-16 level, joined Manchester United over three years ago, after the club won the race against Liverpool to secure his signature from Sochaux. He has progressed through the ranks, featuring for the Under-18s and Under-21s, and played in all six of their UEFA Youth League matches earlier this season.

Although Kambwala’s first-team opportunities have been limited, he made his debut as a substitute against West Ham, played a few minutes against Aston Villa, and featured off the bench against Manchester City. Now, with injuries to Varane and Evans, Kambwala has been thrust into the spotlight and will be eager to impress in his first start at Old Trafford.

In the upcoming match, Kambwala is expected to be part of a back four alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the left and Diogo Dalot on the right. Marcus Rashford, who was dropped in the previous game against Chelsea, will return to the starting lineup and form a front three with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund. Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes will comprise the midfield three, while Andre Onana will retain his position as the team’s goalkeeper.

Manchester United is currently in a difficult position, having earned only one point in their last six matches and sitting in sixth place in the league table. The fixture against Liverpool is crucial for their aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League, as they are 12 points behind fourth-place Aston Villa with two games in hand.

On the other side, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has made three changes to his lineup for the match, with Jarell Quansah, Andy Robertson, and Wataru Endo coming into the starting XI in place of Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Ryan Gravenberch. Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Allison Becker remain unavailable due to injury.