Willy Kambwala sent message ahead of Manchester United debut vs West Ham

Joe Cole believes the experience of Jonny Evans should prove a massive help for Willy Kambwala during his Manchester United debut vs West Ham.

Kambwala was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up for Saturday's lunchtime Premier League clash at the London Stadium. The 19-year-old was brought in for Raphael Varane, with Erik ten Hag confirming the France international was ill.

With no senior competitive appearances under his belt, a debut against an in-form West Ham side and the excellent Jarrod Bowen could present a daunting task for the teenager. But Cole believes having 35-year-old Evans next to him should provide a major boost of confidence.

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"What is a good plus for him is being next to Jonny Evans," Cole told TNT Sports. "If you’re coming to the team at centre-back, you need an experienced player at the side of you - it’s a massive day for him."

Kambwala is 16 years younger than Evans and one of two teenage academy graduates to start at the London Stadium alongside Mainoo. The centre-back will hope to emulate the success enjoyed by his midfield teammate, who has been outstanding in recent weeks.

United continue to battle their ongoing injury crisis while some of the squad have also been ill this week. Both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have been unavailable due to illness in recent weeks and the former is yet to return to the matchday squad.

Rhys Bennett was named on the United bench, further highlighting the defensive injury crisis. As well as the unwell Varane, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are both injured.