EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United’s stance as Willy Kambwala attracts loan interest

There are several clubs circling Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala during the January transfer window.

Kambwala, 19, emerged as a first-team squad member during United’s injury crisis in the backline this term.

The French defender made his debut against West Ham in December following a shock inclusion due to the likes of Harry Maguire, Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martínez and Victor Lindelöf being out with different injuries.

Kambwala also appeared as a late substitute for Erik ten Hag during the club’s dramatic comeback win against Aston Villa. However, with Martínez and Varane back fit and Maguire and Lindelöf expected to join them in the coming weeks, there has been interest in the 19-year-old defender for a mid-season loan move.

UtdDistrict understands that there is significant interest in Kambwala for a loan in the second half of the season. However, club sources have added that there are currently no plans to send Kambwala on loan this month.

This could change as deadline day approaches in the coming weeks, though. The likely factors determining the decision will be the fitness levels of those defenders returning from injuries and if any setbacks occur, as well as the suitability of the club’s enquiring for the academy graduate.

The Reds signed Kambwala from FC Sochaux’s youth setup for £3.5 million when he was just 16 years old. He was extremely highly rated and captained France’s youth sides.

However, several long-term injuries since he moved to Old Trafford stunted his development. After a strong start to the season with the Under-21s this season, he was awarded a call-up to the first-team squad for the 0-0 draw against Liverpool and then made his debut against West Ham the following weekend.

Kambwala also appeared in the FA Cup victory against Wigan Athletic at the beginning of this month and has made 18 appearances across all teams so far this term.