'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Former West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand has urged Erik ten Hag to keep Willy Kambwala in Manchester United's starting XI despite his performance against Bournemouth.
Kambwala, one of many academy graduates recently making their way into the first team, had an impressive start to his career in the senior team. He earned plaudits for the display during the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Old Trafford earlier this month.
Kambwala, however, didn't have an impressive outing during the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth away on April 13. He was arguably at fault for the Cherries' both goals, including a slip for Dominic Solanke's opener.
Ferdinand, though, thinks that Ten Hag should keep Kambwala in his first XI. He further hinted that taking the 19-year-old out of the team could ruin his confidence, saying: (via The Boot Room):
"Do you know what I hope? I hope Ten Hag stays with Willy Kambwala. I know he had a hard time, but I hope he does. The way he played against Liverpool, his performance against Liverpool warrants that [keeping his place]. Even though he didn't have the best game against Solanke, he deserves time in that team."
Ferdinand further added:
"He's young, he's learning on the job. There is a player in there, there's a defender in there. I just hope he doesn't take him out because that could ruin him."
Kambwala, since making his senior Manchester United debut, has already made nine appearances. Given United's injury issues at the back line, the youngster could start the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City on Sunday, April 21.
Manchester United set to hand Willy Kambwala a new contract: reports
According to HITC, Manchester United want to hand Willy Kambwala a new bumper contract. While he didn't have the best outing against Bournemouth, the youngster's quality has been on display.
The former France under-17 captain looks like an individual who can go on to become a solid defender. Hence, United want to tie the player down to a long-term and improved contract.
Raphael Varane's future at the club is uncertain while Jonny Evans will also be out of contract at the end of the season. Clubs like West Ham United are expected to come in for Harry Maguire in the summer. Hence, Kambwala could become a first-team regular sooner rather than later.
