Manchester United are set to play host to West Ham in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
A win for the hosts takes them to fifth place in the Premier League table, while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need the three points to get out of the relegation zone.
After the 2-0 loss to Liverpool and injury issues plaguing West Ham, the visitors go into this game as the underdogs.
Airidas Golambeckis travels with West Ham team but does not make matchday squad
A lot has been discussed about Nuno not giving youngsters a chance, but this game could be one where he does exactly that.
George Earthy, Ezra Mayers and Mo Kante have all been named on the bench by the Portuguese manager.
One name missing is Airidas Golambeckis, who does not feature in the matchday squad.
However, the highly-rated West Ham youngster did travel with the rest of the team, but he was the player who had to miss out due to limited squad places.
Who is Golambeckis?
Golambeckis is a centre-back by trade, but is capable of playing as a midfielder and has played there on a number of occasions for the reserves.
The 18-year-old has played against players two or three years older than him and instead of looking out of place, he appears to be among the best players in comparison to his compatriots.
The teenager was born in England, but is eligible to represent Lithuania as he has Lithuanian heritage.
While he did make his debut for the Lithuania Under-17s, he has represented England at the Under-18s and Under-19s levels.
Golambeckis knows what it means to be at West Ham. Is Nuno wrong not to take a punt on him?
“I’ve been an East London boy my whole life. I grew up watching West Ham, thinking maybe one day I could play for them.”
– Golambeckis, 2025
Kenny Brown has been impressed with Golambeckis
Kenny Brown is West Ham’s academy manager and he has overseen the development of a number of talented youngsters over the years.
He has worked closely with Golambeckis and has nothing but good things to say about the young Englishman.
When the 18-year-old signed his West Ham contract, Brown said: “Airidas is where he is not only because of his footballing ability but also because of his exemplary attitude. They go hand in hand.
“To have a future in the game, you need to show the Academy values, and he displays them every day in the classroom, in the gym, on the pitch, and even away from here.”
The future most certainly seems to be bright for him and it remains to be seen whether or not Nuno gives him a first-team chance this season.
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