Kambwala: It was only United for me
Willy Kambwala has revealed his dream has always been to play for Manchester United.
The 19-year-old joined the Reds from Sochaux in 2021 and made his senior debut against West Ham United shortly before Christmas, last year.
He followed the breakthrough up with outings against Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic and Newport County, and has discussed his rise with United Review, the official matchday programme for Sunday's 3-0 victory over West Ham.
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"The dream was about Man United," he said. "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."
The defender will hope to get more game-time as the season progresses, and obtain more incredible experiences, like coming on for a maiden first-team appearance at Old Trafford in the win over this weekend's opponents, Aston Villa.
Being part of the Boxing Day triumph was something that will remain a fond memory for the France youth international.
"I think it's the best experience I've had in football," he enthused. "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!
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"I was so excited, just to see how everyone was fighting for both teams," he continued. "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!"