Kambwala: I always dreamt of United

Willy Kambwala joined Manchester United as a 16-year-old from Sochaux in 2020, having been linked with Liverpool at the same time.

Speaking to the club’s official site, the defender who has now made his first team debut has reflected on his feelings for United.

The dream was about Man United. And that’s it. No other club. Even England, I wasn’t thinking about England. I was just thinking about Man United. I don’t know why but, since as far back as I can remember, it was just Man United.

I couldn’t watch [that much] football but it was Man United, Man United all the time. That’s the dream I had. So, to be here, was just so special to me because it was the thing I wanted.

Having made his first appearance against West Ham, playing against Aston Villa at home is his favourite moment so far. United were 2-0 down with half an hour to play before an incredible comeback thanks to goals from Garnacho and Hojlund to win 3-2.

I think it’s the best experience I’ve had in football. I know I started against West Ham but playing at Old Trafford is something else. To be able to be on the pitch that day, what a game!

I was so excited, just to see how everyone was fighting for both teams. I was on the bench and I just wanted to play. When the manager called me and said: ‘You need to be ready”… wow! I was just so excited, I can’t explain!

Coming on, winning 3-2, touching the ball – it’s important to touch the ball – and sharing the victory, because it was my first win, it was just amazing. People were singing, I could feel the pitch shaking! I was just so excited to be there! Like you say, it was my dream to be playing there for Man United at Old Trafford. I think every kid dreams about that. So, to be able to do it, it’s just amazing. I’m talking about it like I’m a kid, like I’m still 13 years old!