MANCHESTER UNITED fans have praised Willy Kambwala for his classy gesture during United’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham.

The 19-year-old defender was thrown in at the deep-end to make his debut after Raphael Varane was ruled out with illness.

Only Kambwala comforted Mainoo after the second goal

He joined fellow academy product, Kobbie Mainoo in the starting XI.

Mainoo has shone since coming into the team earlier this season but it was his mistake that enabled West Ham to go 2-0 up and seal the game.

The midfielder failed to trap the ball with his studs in front of his defence and his mistake was seized upon by Lucas Paqueta who threaded the ball through to Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian made no mistake with his chance and he celebrated in trademark fashion by sitting unfazed on the advertising hoardings.

Mainoo looked devastated by his mistake and it was only Kambwala that went over to commiserate him.

United fans on X were fuming with what that said about the team’s lack of leadership.

One fan posted: “Only Kambwala went over to check on Mainoo after that clanger – says everything about this United team.”

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Another wrote: “Kobbie Mainoo makes a mistake, he’s 18 it happens not gonna get too upset, but only one player goes up and gets his head back up.

“That’s kambwala, in his first game at 19 years old as well. The players don’t care man.”

A third wrote: “Kambwala left to be the one to console Mainoo whilst Bruno has a little sulk. I am stunned.”

While a fourth said: “Soulless absolutley Soulless….The player that went over to Mainoo after his mistake, Kambwala.. Where are the leaders?”

Even with his obvious error, most United supporters on the internet concurred that Kambwala and Mainoo were the two most memorable players on a day that will never be forgotten by the team.

This is the club’s 13th loss of the season, so the 2-0 loss will only increase the pressure on Ten Hag ahead of Christmas.

On boxing day, the Red Devils face Aston Villa at home in a crucial match as they try to restart their season.