The Manchester Evening News reports that three youngsters have been promoted to first-team training in the lead-up to the Champions League game against Galatasaray.

Ethan Williams, Willy Kambwala, and James Scanlon are the three players who played with the “big boys” in training.

None of the players who started against Crystal Palace featured here as Ten Hag and staff look to monitor their workload with an intense stretch of games on the horizon, including the international break.

Another notable name who returned to training was Antony, whose 19-day leave of absence ended recently.

He is expected to play a part in that game.

As for the youngsters, that is the validation of their efforts in youth football.

Ethan Williams has become a permanent part of the U21s despite being just 17, also putting in some impressive performances at that level.

Willy Kambwala is another name who is trying to make good on his vast potential after a dull time lost through injury worries.

James Scanlon is a 17-year-old attacking midfield prospect who has risen through the ranks rapidly, starting with U18s, and already making appearances for the U21s.

Although it is unlikely that any of them will be handed their first-team debuts in a must-win game against Galatasaray, letting the youngsters feel close to the first team is a surefire way of egging them on to reach that level.

United fans will be hoping that in a few years’ time, these three will be the members that the then-United academy players are training with.

The post Manchester United promote three youngsters to first-team training on eve of Galatasaray game appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Prognosis, diagnosis, ice baths and cryotherapy, multiple journeys under the knife and a whole lot of loneliness and despair.

At just 18 years of age, Willy Kambwala has endured the sufferings of a seasoned veteran, but the youngster has not let them get the best of him, not yet.

Signed for a hefty €4M fee on deadline day in 2020, the then French U-16’s captain had the world at his feet when he made his much anticipated move to the Theatre of Dreams.

It was a dream that would quickly unfold into a recurring series of never-ending nightmares.

Born in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kambwala’s family relocated to France when he was just five years old.

His journey in the world of football would start at Sochaux in 2018.

Les Lionceaux are well known for producing a string of excellent academy products over the years, with the likes of Marcus Thuram and Maxcence Lacroix currently strutting their stuff in the Bundesliga for Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg respectively.

Kambwala’s rise through the Sochaux ranks was meteoric, and soon he would be captaining his country at the U-16 level.

Meanwhile, dossiers were being compiled at various top sides scattered across Europe detailing Kambwala’s brilliance, and it seemed inevitable that he would not be at Stade Auguste Bonal for very long.

Former British PM Boris Johnson would play a role in hastening that journey.

With the onset of new Brexit laws and regulations which would prohibit British clubs from ever truly targeting U-18 talents in Europe, Manchester United found themselves compelled to embark on a continental signing spree in the summer of 2020.

In came Marc Jurado from Barcelona, Alejandro Garnacho from Atlético Madrid, Isak Hansen-Aarøen from Tromso, Robert Vitek from Sigma Olomouc and Alvaro Fernandez from Real Madrid, but the Red Devils would have to wait until deadline day to pull off the best signing of the lot.

Despite serious interest from bitter rivals Liverpool, United won the race for Kambwala’s signature, but misfortune struck early.

Barely weeks into life in Manchester, Kambwala suffered a severe ankle injury in a nothing game against Salford’s first team, ruling him out for eleven months.

He would make his long-awaited return to action in an 8-2 thrashing of Birmingham City’s Under-18s in the Premier League Cup in October of 2021, but fate was not done inflicting its cruel blows upon the youngster.

Kambwala continued to suffer niggling injuries through the last term, only making a handful of appearances across the 21/22 campaign, but his luck seems to finally be changing.

The youngster has been able to string together a steady run of games, and looks like he is back to his very best.

As The Peoples Person reported earlier, in the wake of injuries to first choice centre back pairing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, Kambwala has also been promoted to the first team setup.

The Red Devils have suffered several lapses in defence in recent weeks, against the likes of Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur, and the elegant Frenchman may be the answer to United’s defensive woes.

Standing at a towering 6’4, Kambwala is a physical specimen who dominates contests in the ground and air with equal ease.

He is no slouch with a burst of pace and raw acceleration which allows him to keep up with the paciest of attackers.

Comfortable on either side of defence, Kambwala possesses a superb range of passing, and despite his massive frame, can turn like a ballerina.

A fantastic goal from Mateo Mejia to take the ball down from Willy Kambwala’s pass and slot it under the keeper. #MUFC #ThePeoplesPerson pic.twitter.com/teB4wW91eP

— The Peoples Person (@_peoplesperson_) April 17, 2023

If things continue to devolve in defence, Erik ten Hag may find himself forced to give the teenager minutes at the highest level.

Many will argue that he may not yet be ready, but the kids did win something in 94′ despite Alan Hansen’s many inhibitions about their abilities, and perhaps this kid will too.

As the old adage goes, ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough’, a sentiment which echoes throughout United’s storied history.

Step up, Willy Kambwala, the time is nigh.

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Kambwala was pictured doing drills alongside some of United’s senior stars including Harry Maguire, Marcel Sabiter, Facundo Pellistri and Wout Weghorst.

Eighteen year-old Willy Kambwala in first team training for the first time today.

He is the third from the left pic.twitter.com/nLJLaOQgki

— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) April 25, 2023

The French defender was one of four other teenagers who took part in the session.

The other three were Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Maxi Oyedele and Marc Jurado.

Jurado was part of United’s depleted matchday squad that travelled to the City Ground on 16 April to face Nottingham Forest.

Kambwala’s invitation to participate comes amidst United’s injury crisis, especially in the defensive department.

The Red Devils confirmed earlier this month that Lisandro Martinez will not play any further this season after picking up a fifth metatarsal injury during United’s first-leg Europa League quarter-final tie vs. Sevilla at Old Trafford.

The Peoples Person covered a report which relayed that Raphael Varane is also facing an uphill battle to feature again this term.

There are hopes that Varane, who turned 30 today, may return just in time for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on June 3.

Erik ten Hag himself strongly hinted as such on Sunday after his side’s triumph at Wembley vs. Brighton.

Amidst all this, there could be an opportunity for someone like Kambwala to impress and show what he is made of.

The 18-year-old recently forced his way into the U23 set-up. The Red Devils signed Kambwala from Sochaux for a fee in the region of £3.5 million back in September 2020.

Ten Hag has already shown that he is not shy to incorporate youth players if they earn their chances. Alejandro Garnacho is a case in point. The Argentine is already an established member of the first team.

As mentioned, the Dutchman named Jurado in the squad that beat Forest by two goals to nil. It may not be far from the realms of reality that Kambwala receives the same honour for Thursday’s game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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With Leicester City’s newly appointed Dean Smith and John Terry in attendance, they were pleased to see Leicester grab an early goal in just the third minute.

A mistake from Nathan Bishop allowed former Manchester United academy player Chris Popov to slide in and take the ball off the keeper’s boot and sending it rolling into United’s goal.

United equalised in the 22nd minute through a well worked short corner on the right side that culminated in Isak Hansen-Aaroen flashing a low ball across the face of goal for Willy Kambwala at the back post who’s shot was blocked but defensive partner Sonny Aljofree was on hand to bundle home from close range.

Sonny Aljofree’s goal against Leicester City, bundling in from close range after Isak Hansen-Aaroen’s cross. #MUFC #ThePeoplesPerson pic.twitter.com/2RFEUFZCSG

— The Peoples Person (@_peoplesperson_) April 17, 2023

Just six minutes later though, Leicester restored their lead with a sensational goal from Tawanda Maswanhise who curled into the top right corner leaving Bishop rooted to the spot and no chance of stopping.

Leicester almost doubled their lead before the break but Bishop stopped deflected effort from Zach Booth with a great save before Popov struck the woodwork in the closing stages of the half.

Into the second half, Mateo Mejia had an opportunity to draw United level after being played in by Omari Forson but the Colombian youth international couldn’t quite keep his effort on target.

Mejia didn’t make the same mistake twice though, hitting the back of the net in the 79th minute to tie it all up with a sensational goal. Bringing the ball down on his chest from Willy Kambwala’s lofted pass over the top, Mejia struck first time underneath the keeper with a composed finish.

A fantastic goal from Mateo Mejia to take the ball down from Willy Kambwala’s pass and slot it under the keeper. #MUFC #ThePeoplesPerson pic.twitter.com/teB4wW91eP

— The Peoples Person (@_peoplesperson_) April 17, 2023

United looked to be settling for a draw but some sloppy awareness from Dan Gore in injury time coughed up possession in United’s end allowing for a quick pass to put Brandon Cover straight in on goal to chip over the sprawling Bishop.

Injury time drama wasn’t over there though as a dust up between the sides saw a red card for each team with Willy Kambwala and Deniche Hill sent off.

The final score finished 3-2 and the loss sees United remain in 9th place, continuing their disappointing winless streak to six.

United: Bishop, Wellens, Kambwala, Aljofree, Hardley, Gore, Collyer, Forson, Hansen-Aaroen, Emeran, Mejia.

Unused subs: Wooster, Nolan, Norkett, Murray.

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Elyh Harrison – 7.5 – a great performance in goal making 7 saves and undoubtedly keeping united in the match but it was marred by his mistake on the ball to give away for Arsenals goal.

Jack Kingdon – 6.5 – a solid performance at right back and then centre back in the second half. Was particularly strong in the air.

Willy Kambwala – 8 – a top class performance and was near enough unbeatable at the back. Whether it was tackling dribblers or clearing balls into the box, he mopped it all up. As Mark Dempsey said post match, he was magnificent.

Louis Jackson – 5.5 – was outmuscled and beaten on the dribble a few times before coming off at half.

Sam Murray – 6 – was composed in possession playing out from the back and put a couple of decent crosses in but was caught out in behind defensively by Charles Sagoe Jr a few times.

Tom Huddlestone – 6.5 – showed his quality and experience with some sprayed passes and important tackles in the heart of midfield.

Dan Gore – 7.5 – the key man in midfield, his driving runs were the catalyst for much of United’s attack, including an exceptional run before setting up Mejia for the goal. As ever was no nonsense defensively with some strong challenges.

Omari Forson – 5 – didn’t exert enough influence from the number 10 possession and struggled to maintain possession or build attacks. The rare time he found himself in a dangerous position he made the wrong choice.

Noam Emeran – 5.5 – apart from the rare dribble inside he rarely made an impact before departing at half.

Ethan Williams – 6 – had a few bright moments with his dribbling and pace and could have had a goal with better finishing but it was largely just moments.

Mateo Mejia – 7.5 – an incredible finish for the equalizer on the volley and worked incredibly hard with his pressing throughout the match despite not receiving the best service.

Substitutes

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 5.5 – looked to have the odd silky touch but ultimately drifted through the match after his introduction.

Marc Jurado – 6.5 – a decent if not spectacular performance off the bench. Solid at the back and in possession but rarely got forward.

Charlie Wellens – 5 – came on in an unusual number 10 position and looked out of place, making little positive impact.

Manni Norkett – NA – not on the pitch long enough to have an impact.

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Arsenal were on top early on and their first big chance came from Charles Sagoe Jr, who cut in past Louis Jackson and Omari Forson to strike with his left foot, forcing a good save from Elyh Harrison.

The opening 20 minutes continued to go Arsenal’s way, until they finally broke the deadlock. They were presented with a gift when Harrison tripped on the turf while attempting to control the ball, coughing it up for an easy tap in for Khayon Edwards.

United equalized just four minutes later though with a wonderful goal. The play started off with Dan Gore running 60 yards out of the United box, driving the team forward into Arsenal’s half before splitting the defence with a perfectly placed diagonal ball for Mateo Mejia to volley into the back of the net on the stretch.

GOAL! What a pass, what a finish!

Dan Gore Mateo Mejia pic.twitter.com/qPGVvkbwJN

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) March 31, 2023

Moving into injury time of the first half, Sagoe Jr was played in over the top on the right and took the ball down in stride before poking an effort at goal which was denied by the out rushing Harrison’s trailing arm to make a fantastic save.

Half time saw Mark Dempsey look to the bench and make a double introduction, with Marc Jurado and Isak Hansen-Aaroen coming on for Noam Emeran and Louis Jackson.

The second half started the same as the first as Arsenal came out on the front foot and looked to test early with Catalan Cirjan cutting in and skidding a low effort just inches wide of the left post.

In the 51st minute Matt Smith intercepted the ball in midfield and slipped through Sagoe Jr, who looked to fool Harrison with a near corner shot. But the United keeper was up to the task, getting a slight touch on the ball to put it off the inside of the post and out.

United immediately went up the other end and Mejia skipped away from the defender before laying off to Ethan Williams to strike with his right, but going for power over placement he put his effort too close to the Arsenal keeper who parried away.

In taking the shot, Williams felt a muscle strain and had to come off shortly after for Charlie Wellens.

The second half continued all one way with Arsenal peppering United’s box but Willy Kambwala and Harrison proved to be impressively tough to beat.

Into injury time, Arsenal chased for the winner and Amario Cozier-Duberry skipped past a number of United players before curling to the back post, but fortunately there wasn’t enough curl on it as it bounced wide.

United threw one final effort at it in the last second, with Hansen-Aaroen playing the one-two pass with Manni Norkett, but the ball was taken off the Norwegian’s boot in the box with a great last ditch tackle to keep the final score 1-1.

The draw sees United remain in 9th place but only one point off Arsenal in 6th.

Speaking after the match, United’s manager Dempsey was full of praise. He started with Harrison, saying “he’s gonna be a really good keeper by the way.”

Dempsey continued the plaudits with “I thought our defending at times, I thought Kambwala at times was magnificent. Delighted with the point, really pleasing that.”

United: Harrison, Kingdon, Jackson (Jurado 46), Kambwala, Murray, Huddlestone, Gore, Emeran (Hansen-Aaroen 46), Forson (Norkett 88), Williams (Wellens 66), Mejia

Unused subs: Mee

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(A score of 6 is around average)

Ben Mee – 5 – Typically conceding six goals wouldn’t be a good sign for a keeper but little blame can be put at the hands of Ben Mee. With no coverage in front of him he was subjected to a barrage of shots from less than 10 yards out but still made a few good saves.

Marc Jurado – 3 – With Oscar Bobb drifting to the left he simply couldn’t handle the pace and quick movement of City’s left hand side.

Sonny Aljofree – 1 – A nightmare to forget for the young lad. A missed clearance led to the second goal and his poor pass then led directly to his sending off when he inadvertently tripped up Bobb as the last man.

Bjorn Hardley – 3 – City consistently worked it into the box down his side and he was rarely in position to cut out the easy passes into the box or make any impact.

Brandon Williams – 3 – A real mixed bag of a performance from the experienced Williams, some really good bits of play on the ball to relieve pressure on the wings and vital interceptions and recovery runs at the back. But was also caught out a number of times by Adedire Mebude and lost the ball directly leading to City’s fourth.

Zidane Iqbal – 2 – Was completely overrun in midfield from the off and didn’t offer any authority on the ball to gain composure which you want from a number six. Likely should have been sent off with a shocking studs up challenge high up the shin of the City midfielder.

Dan Gore – 6 – The only player who really showed the required intensity to match City’s tempo. Drew a number of fouls with his quick feet and charging runs which were the highlight of United’s rare attacks and never gave up defensively with some great tackles.

Omari Forson – 3 – Didn’t have the pace to take on his fullback and couldn’t retain possession to allow United to get upfield.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 2 – His sloppy pass led to City’s first and he couldn’t get a hold of anything in the midfield before being taken off early.

Noam Emeran – 3 – Made little impact on the match before being pulled off early.

Mateo Mejia – 5 – Didn’t have the much in the way of service but did hold up the ball well and did his best to relieve the constant pressure on United’s zone. Almost fashioned one chance for himself but it was blocked in the end.

Substitutes

Tom Huddlestone – 4 – Brought on to bring some composure at the back which helped although City had taken their foot off the gas at that point but still couldn’t marshal the backline to stop from conceding six.

Willy Kambwala – 5.5 – Despite coming in at centre back he offered a rare attacking threat with some charging runs down the right and added some physicality at the back.

Charlie Wellens – 5 – Came in as almost a second right back and helped shore up that side of the pitch with City relying on the other side to create chances in the second half.

Manni Norkett – N/A – Wasn’t on long enough to make an impact.

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The bad weather couldn’t be fully avoided though as Middlesbrough’s team bus arrived late, causing a 15 minute delay to the the kickoff.

The most surprising piece of news before the match though was the return of Willy Kambwala, the French centre back who has spent much of the last two seasons out with injuries. Having recovered recently, Kambwala’s inclusion was a shock as he is actually a week too old for the u18s age group. It is unclear if United obtained special dispensation to field the over-age defender for the match.

The on pitch action was just as exciting too as early on Boro played a perfect defence-splitting pass to take Louis Jackson out and put the left winger through on goal, but Eric Hanbury came out out quick to dive on the ball.

In the 10th minute, Boro’s Ajay Matthews was found open in the box for an audacious bicycle kick that almost looped over Hanbury, who just managed to tip the ball over the bar.

A minute later Hanbury was scrambling again as Boro whipped in a wide free kick and James Nolan’s header inadvertently went back towards goal before hitting the post and out.

But the opening goal would come at the other end shortly after, when Ethan Wheatley was given a gift from the Boro keeper, Nathan Fisher. Wheatley crossed from the byline straight to the keeper but Fisher allowed the ball to slip through his hands and into the net.

Boro looked to pull one back with low cross from the right which was taken off the foot of the striker by Hanbury with a vital fingertip on the ball.

In the 24th minute, an incredible 60 yard run from Jack Moorhouse evaded four tackles but unfortunately ended with a blocked shot, a move which deserved to end in a goal for the midfielder.

United would double the tally before the break through the red hot Manni Norkett, who dispatched his seventh of the season. The forward latched onto a through ball and did well to hold off the defender to bring the ball onto his left and strike past the keeper.

In the second half Adam Berry came close with a long range effort cutting in from the left that bounced and dipped just before the keeper, forcing a good save.

Shortly after Boro worked a long range attempt of their own at the edge of the box from AJ Bridge that sailed wide of the left post.

United would hit on the counter with Norkett’s pace down the left driving into the box to find Moorhouse at the back post, who blasted it into the roof of the net, capping off a spectacular display from the young midfielder.

United would run out 3-0 winners, seeing them move two places up the table into 8th, albeit still with a number of games in hand over the teams above them.

United: Hanbury, Jackson, Kambwala, Aljofree, Nolan, Baumann (Ibragimov 65), Moorhouse, Berry, Musa, Wheatley (Scanlon 59), Norkett

Unused subs: Wooster, Kamason, Munro

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While the first team were hosting Aston Villa, Manchester United’s u18s were going up against Stoke City at Carrington.

United started the match lively creating opportunities but Stoke’s tireless defending was enough to stop them from opening the scoring early.

Sam Mather troubled Stoke early on with a terrific run down the left-wing and looked certain to score but was let down by poor execution in his finish.

United kept banging on the door with Marc Jurado quickly following up with an exquisite pass to play through Alejandro Garnacho who should have done better with his chance.

Surprisingly, Stoke were the ones to strike first in the 20th minute through Emre Tergel, after earning a penalty.

The Manchester youngsters looked to claw a goal back quickly though and captain Jurado powered home with his header from a corner to draw the score level in the 29th minute.

Just before the break, Manni Norkett broke free and finished past the Stoke keeper to give United the deserved lead.

United continued to apply the pressure in the second half and Garnacho was robbed of a goal by a fantastic save from the Stoke keeper.

Stoke then threatened to score an equaliser but ultimately Norkett was the one to strike next, grabbing his second of the match and giving United a two-goal lead.

An eventful injury-time rounded off the exciting match with goals from Stoke’s Tergel followed by Garnacho, who finally got his goal for United to end the match 4-2.

United: Vitek; Jurado, Kambwala (Bennett 61), Aljofree, Murray; Oyedele, Mainoo; Garnacho, Gore, Mather; Norkett.

Substitutes not used: Fredricson, Sharpe, McAllister.

Scorers: Jurado 29, Norkett 38, 80, Garnacho 90+2 | Tergel 20 pen, 90+1

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In fact, the Red Devils have signed an entire team of the world’s most talented prospects in this one transfer window alone.

In goal, 16-year-old goalkeeper Radek Vitek completed a transfer from Czech club Sigma Olomouc in April and has already made his debut for the Under-18s.

Defensively, United poached FC Barcelona starlet, 16 year-old Marc Jurado, and Real Madrid’s equally promising Alvaro Fernandez Carreras. Jurado is a right back and Fernandez a left back.

Fernandez got off to a scoring start to his Under 18’s career at United on his debut against Burnley.

Another signing at left-back was 16-year-old Logan Pye from Sunderland, who has already played two games for Neil Ryan’s side.

Yesterday, the Reds captured the signature of 16-year-old centre back Willy Kambwala from French side Sochaux for a fee of around £3.6 million.

The 6′ 2″ youngster is seen as one of the top defenders in his age group in the world and has already captained France’s Under 17’s side.

Further up the pitch, attacking midfielder Isak Hansen-Aaroen joined from Norwegian side Tromso. Such was United’s interest in the playmaker that they agreed the deal when he was just 14 and have had to wait until his 16th birthday to complete the deal.
Hansen-Aaroen made his senior debut for Tromso aged just 15.
Two fantastic wingers were also added to the fold yesterday, Atalanta’s Amad Diallo Traoré and Peñarol’s Facundo Pellistri, both 18 years old. Diallo will not be able to join until January due to visa restrictions. United forked out an incredible £21 million plus add-ons of a further £20 million for the gifted Ivorian, who has the distinction of being the first player born in 2002 to score in Serie A.

Pellistri was signed yesterday for a fee in the region of £7.5 million and rumours suggest that he could be thrown straight into the first team squad as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in dire need of a right winger.

United have also acquired three of Europe’s most talented young strikers in this window. Joe Hugill has already hit the ground running since his arrival from Sunderland, having scored two goals in his first three games for the Under-18s.

The Reds have also re-captured prolific 17-year-old Charlie McNeil from neighbours Manchester City for £800,000, having allowed him to slip away from their academy when he was just 11 years of age.
And finally, United snapped up another hugely talented 16 year old, Alejandro Garnacho from Atletico Madrid, who will join up with Fernandez and Jurado to become United’s new ‘Three Amigos’. Garnacho can play on the left wing or up front.

Added to the likes of Shola Shoretire, Dillon Hoogewerf, Hannibal Mejbri, Charlie Wellens and Teden Mengi, United’s Under 18 lineup is now arguably the finest in the world.

Under 18 new signings XI.

This summer’s transfer window has been one of the strangest in living memory. So cast your mind back to less stressful days and test your knowledge of past United arrivals and departures in our quiz below.

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