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    Who is Willy Kambwala? Man Utd starlet, 19, makes debut in huge West Ham clash

    WILLY KAMBWALA is STARTING for Manchester United in a crunch clash against West Ham.The giant defender, 19, was also named on the bench for last Sunday’s Premier League visit to fierce rivals Liverpool.
    Willy Kambwala was out injured for 11 months at one stageCredit: Rex
    But who eaxctly is he?
    Who is Willy Kambwala?
    Kambwala was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but captained France Under-1
    Liverpool were also linked with the centre-back three years ago.
    However United won the £3.5million race to sign him from Sochaux on transfer deadline day in October 2020.
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    Kambwala’s French club were devastated to lose their main asset – offering him professional terms to stay.
    But the lure of a Prem giant was always likely to win out.
    And so it proved, as Kambwala switched to Old Trafford and was set to be integrated into United’s junior sides.
    But an injury suffered in a  friendly against Salford kept him out for 11 months.
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    Kambwala, now 6ft 4ins, returned in September 2021.
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    And what a return it was – as his first game back was an 8-2 victory for United’s Under-18s against Birmingham.
    Kambwala signed a pro deal with the Red Devils a month later.
    Just last month, Red Devils’ academy boss Travis Binnion hailed the attitude of Kambwala, plus fellow hot prospects Kobbie Mainoo and Dan Gore.
    After all three played through injury in a match against FC Copenhagen, Binnion said: “Great credit to Kobbie, Willy and Dan, as the sort of senior players today.
    “Dan got niggle and Willy got a sore foot, so for those lads to get through the 90 minutes after struggling with knocks and wanting to play, bodes well.” More

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    Man Utd hand little-known wonderkid debut in starting XI for West Ham clash as fans say ‘love to see it’

    ERIK TEN HAG named 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala in his starting line-up ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Ham this afternoon.Kambwala was an unused substitute for the Red Devils in last Sunday’s match against Liverpool.
    Willy Kambwala started for Man Utd against West HamCredit: PA
    But he was handed his first Premier League start this afternoon.
    Fans took to social media to react to the squad announcement, with one person writing: “Looking forward to see him on the field.”
    Another commented: “Wishing him the best. Always nice to see academy boys succeed.”
    While a third wrote: “Love to see it.”
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    Kambwala’s debut saw him start as a centre-back alongside Jonny Evans.
    Discussing the teenager’s involvement before kick-off, Man Utd boss Ten Hag told TNT Sports: “He’s calm, he’s made a good impression in training.
    “Of course he’s inexperienced and this is a big moment for him. He’s athletic, calm on the ball, he has his opportunity now.”
    Kambwala has made 15 appearances for United’s Under-21’s so far this season.
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    After Liverpool expressed an interest in signing him, the Frenchman joined Man Utd in a £3.5million transfer from Sochaux in October 2020.
    But just weeks after arriving at Old Trafford he suffered a huge injury setback.
    Kambwala was sidelined for 11 months after suffering a major injury during a friendly against Salford.
    He returned to action in September 2021 and signed his first professional contract the following month.
    Man Utd went on to lose 2-0 to West Ham.
    Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring in the 72nd minute before Mohammed Kudus pounced on a United error to seal the win for David Moyes’ side. More

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    Jules Breach in stitches as Joe Cole feeds Paul Scholes pie & mash live on TNT Sports as fans ask ‘what is going on?’

    JULES BREACH was left in stitches on TNT Sports this morning after Joe Cole fed Paul Scholes pie and mash live on air.The two are on punditry duties for West Ham vs Manchester United having played for the two respective clubs.
    Joe dished out the pie and mashCredit: X/ @footballontnt
    And Scholesy wolfed down the stapleCredit: X/ @footballontnt

    And Cole was keen to introduce Scholes to the club’s local cuisine prior to the match.
    The production team had set the meal on a platter prior to the game with Scholes tucking in to the delicacy in the dugout.
    There was also a plate of jellied eels but Cole said Scholes had “bailed” on eating them with the former West Ham winger agreeing it was “a bit early” for that dish.
    Cole expertly lathered on some vinegar to the dish before giving Scholes a taste of the East London staple.
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    After Cole handed Scholes a spoon of East London’s finest the former Manchester United man said: “Decent, that is lovely!”
    Cole then said: “What a way to start a day Jules!”
    When the TNT Sports host asked whether it was too early for pie and mash, Cole said: “It’s never too early to start your day with pie and mash Jules!”
    The crew were experiencing some technical difficulties while the food exchange was going down with the camera intermittently cutting out.
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    Fans were confused by the situation with some questioning what they were watching.
    One fan on X posted: “Joe Cole is currently feeding Paul Scholes gravy and mash and then the cameras have died, what is going on?”
    Another wrote: “Joe Cole & Paul scholes eating Pie and mash on @footballontnt. Classic.”
    A third wrote: “Love this, never too early for pie and mash!”
    While a fourth posted: “This cuisine” alongside a laughing emoji. More

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    Reece James’ surgeon predicts whether Chelsea star will be fit for England’s Euro 2024 campaign after latest setback

    REECE JAMES will be in “top shape” for Euro 2024, according to his surgeon.The Chelsea full-back suffered a hamstring injury two weeks ago and is now set to be unavailable for at least three months.
    Reece James is set to be fit in time for Euro 2024Credit: PA
    The full-back suffered a hamstring injury earlier this monthCredit: Getty
    Dr Lempainen has revealed that James will be unavailable for three to four monthsCredit: Instagram @lasselempainen
    He underwent surgery on Thursday in Finland following several assessments.
    And his surgeon, Dr Lempainen, has assured him that he will be fully fit in time for next summer’s European Championship.
    In an interview with the Telegraph, Dr Lempainen was very optimistic about James’ road to recovery.
    He said: “I am very convinced that Reece will be in top shape before the European Championship.
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    “Chelsea will decide on how long he takes, but more likely we are talking about that kind of period [three to four months].”
    James has suffered several hamstring injuries in recent years.
    However, Dr Lempainen believes the 24-year-old’s recent operation will increase the chances of him staying fit.
    He added: “The surgery gives Reece a better chance of staying fit and not having a recurring problem.
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    “We will try to do our best during the rehab process to assess the risk factors in Reece’s left hamstring and try to help his strength, mobility and sprinting technique, so Reece can enjoy high-level football again.”
    After undergoing surgery this week, James took to Instagram to reveal that he had received more hate than support from football fans.
    He wrote: “The footballing world knew I got injured but the procedure I would go down this time took slightly longer to figure out the best solution.
    “I had surgery today to try fix my recurring hamstring issue, the recovery has started, both physically and mentally.
    “Since this injury I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity.
    “Believe me I don’t wanna be injured, I’m happiest when I’m playing football.
    “Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way. Stay well, Reece.”
    Should his recovery go to plan, the Chelsea star could return to action in March.
    However, the chances of him being fit for England’s spring friendlies against Brazil and Belgium are slim. More

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    Luton vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Magpies travel to Hatters for huge clash

    LUTON TOWN host Newcastle in a Saturday afternoon Premier League ecnounter.The Hatters will be hoping to close the gap on Nottingham Forest.
    While the Magpies are aiming to bounce back from their midweek Carabao Cup heartbreak at Chelsea.

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    Premier League’s most boring clubs revealed and it’s damning news for Man Utd and Arsenal

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been voted the most boring Premier League team by fans.Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled this season and find themselves six points off the top four.
    Manchester United have been voted the most boring Premier League teamCredit: AP
    At the weekend they demonstrated their boring side by sitting back and containing Liverpool at Anfield in a 0-0 draw.
    A survey of 1,000 fans conducted by Lucky Block found that United were the least entertaining to watch by fans, with the Red Devils picking up 10.5 per cent of the vote.
    Only four teams have scored less goals than United’s tally of 18 this season – four teams have scored double that amount including rivals Manchester City.
    Two of the clubs who have scored less goals – Sheffield United and Burnley – were voted the second and third most boring clubs respectively.
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    But high-intensity and free-scoring Newcastle rank a surprise fourth place, despite thrashing the likes of Chelsea and Sheffield United, who they beat 8-0.
    Arsenal, who boast the joint-best defensive record in the league, round off the top five with 7.6 per cent of the vote.
    In perhaps another surprise West Ham received the least amount of votes with just a 2.1 per cent share, so take the accolade of least boring.
    Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have also entertained this season and have won 15 home league games on the bounce thanks to their high tempo, attacking style of play.
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    Fans also found Newcastle and Arsenal quite boring to watch
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    Tottenham have also been transformed from a defensive outfit to an open, fluid team under Ange Postecoglou – only 2.6 per cent of voters thought they were boring to watch.
    Fulham have also caught the eye thanks in part to big wins over Nottingham Forest and West Ham in recent weeks. More

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    Fulham vs Burnley LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Cottagers look to build on their midweek success

    FULHAM return to Premier League action with a home fixture against relegation-battlers Burnley.The Cottagers will be feeling untouchable after beating Everton to book a Carabao Cup semifinal spot for the first time ever on Tuesday.
    And they did what Vincent Kompany’s men couldn’t as Burnley suffered a defeat to the Toffees in their last outing.

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    Neal Maupay reveals how his antics in infamous Arsenal clash began spiral of events that won Argentina the World Cup

    NEAL MAUPAY has cheekily taken the credit for Emiliano Martinez becoming a World Cup winner – and says the goalie “should be grateful” to him.The Brentford striker, 27, was involved in a furious melee with the Aston Villa star on Sunday after the keeper’s theatrics following two clashes with the Frenchman.
    Neal Maupay has jokingly taken credit for Emi Martinez becoming a world champCredit: X @sportbible
    The forward collided with Bernd Leno against Arsenal back in 2020Credit: PA
    The German goalie was injured in the incident and his absence opened the door for MartinezCredit: Getty
    The Argentina goalie went on to win the World Cup 12 months agoCredit: Getty
    The 31-year-old first threw himself to the turf after being barged by Maupay and then shoved the ex-Everton ace to the ground moments later in retaliation.
    Martinez, who looked fuming with his rival’s reaction to his shove, then grabbed his rival’s shirt to try and drag him up onto his feet, but that only led to more players getting involved. 
    Brentford’s social media accounts then hilariously trolled Martinez by wishing him well in his “recovery from injury”.
    Now Maupay has followed that up with a tongue-in-cheek jibe about how he helped launch Martinez’s career after he was involved in a collision with then Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno three years ago that accidentally injured the German.
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    Martinez had played the role of backup throughout his decade at the Emirates and had not even earned a cap for his country.
    However, that Leno injury saw him finally given a chance and he excelled for the Gunners, helping them to FA Cup glory, before moving on to Villa the following summer.
    Martinez has since become Argentina’s No1 and lifted the Copa America before winning the World Cup 12 months ago.
    Now Maupay has jokingly taken the credit as he told SPORTbible: “I got so many messages saying ‘you basically won the World Cup’.
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    “Obviously, because Leno got injured in contact with me and then (Martinez) got to play and then play for Argentina blah blah. He should be grateful shouldn’t he.”
    Maupay added: “It was so unfortunate that Leno got injured.
    “I’m on very good terms with him now he’s at Fulham. I never tried to hurt him.” More