Who is Godwill Kukonki? Ruben Amorim includes 6ft5 16-year-old in squad to face Arsenal and he could save Man United £80m
Manchester United’s latest teenage sensation is set for a baptism of fire by being included in the squad to face Arsenal this evening. Godwill Kukonki has impressed Ruben Amorim since he arrived at the club and the current defensive crisis has opened up a door. Kukonki has been fast-tracked by AmorimGetty Kukonki travelled with United’s matchday squad for Amorim’s first Premier League game – a 1-1 draw away against Ipswich Town. He was not named among the substitutes at Portman Road, but his presence on the team bus was a sign of how highly he is rated. Amorim’s thread-bare options in defence following a tight turnaround from the win over Everton has seen him turn to Kukonki. Lisandro Martinez is suspended for tonight’s trip to Arsenal, with Luke Shaw’s injury set-back providing the youngster with a chance. The 16-year-old is a natural centre-back, but has played the majority of his U18 games for Man United out on the left this season. The budding centre-back is one of the tallest players in his age range at a whopping 6ft5, which is an inch taller than Harry Maguire. His imposing physique, coupled with his versatility to play at left-back for the U18s, has already earned him comparisons to Josko Gvardiol. Kukonki could solve a problem area for Amorim, who has continued using a back-three in his favoured formation since his arrival. Shaw would have been the natural choice to deputise for Martinez at the Emirates, with Harry Amass also sidelined through injury. Amorim, who is just three years older than veteran defender Jonny Evans, has shown his commitment to promoting young talent. Kukonki’s height could prove a valuable asset Kukonki is unlikely to be thrust in from the start, but his inclusion in a United squad proper represents a major career milestone. United signed right-footed defensive pair Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt this summer, but are believed to remain keen on a left-footer. talkSPORT revealed this month that United are plotting a fresh move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next summer. United had two offers for the England international worth up to £50million rejected before the start of this season. While the 22-year-old remains high up on their wish-list, his Old Trafford audition on Sunday went poorly as Everton lost 4-0. Kukonki, who also has a natural ability to play with his left, could spare the club from having to match Everton‘s £80m price tag. He has been tipped by many to have a bright future at Old TraffordGetty The 16-year-old turned heads at Carrington after joining the senior stars in training during Amorim’s first week of United training. He is yet to make his Premier League 2 debut but has got an assist in his only UEFA Youth League outing from left-back last month. Kukonki has scored one goal and registered an assist in his nine appearances for United’s Under-18s so far. He did make a brief cameo outing in the National League Cup as United’s Under-21s beat Forest Green Rovers 3-2 in October. Kukonki played the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Stoke in the Premier League 2 on Saturday ahead of the trip to north London.
Manchester United’s latest teenage sensation is set for a baptism of fire by being included in the squad to face Arsenal this evening.
Godwill Kukonki has impressed Ruben Amorim since he arrived at the club and the current defensive crisis has opened up a door.
Kukonki travelled with United’s matchday squad for Amorim’s first Premier League game – a 1-1 draw away against Ipswich Town.
He was not named among the substitutes at Portman Road, but his presence on the team bus was a sign of how highly he is rated.
Amorim’s thread-bare options in defence following a tight turnaround from the win over Everton has seen him turn to Kukonki.
Lisandro Martinez is suspended for tonight’s trip to Arsenal, with Luke Shaw’s injury set-back providing the youngster with a chance.
The 16-year-old is a natural centre-back, but has played the majority of his U18 games for Man United out on the left this season.
The budding centre-back is one of the tallest players in his age range at a whopping 6ft5, which is an inch taller than Harry Maguire.
His imposing physique, coupled with his versatility to play at left-back for the U18s, has already earned him comparisons to Josko Gvardiol.
Kukonki could solve a problem area for Amorim, who has continued using a back-three in his favoured formation since his arrival.
Shaw would have been the natural choice to deputise for Martinez at the Emirates, with Harry Amass also sidelined through injury.
Amorim, who is just three years older than veteran defender Jonny Evans, has shown his commitment to promoting young talent.
Kukonki is unlikely to be thrust in from the start, but his inclusion in a United squad proper represents a major career milestone.
United signed right-footed defensive pair Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt this summer, but are believed to remain keen on a left-footer.
talkSPORT revealed this month that United are plotting a fresh move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next summer.
United had two offers for the England international worth up to £50million rejected before the start of this season.
While the 22-year-old remains high up on their wish-list, his Old Trafford audition on Sunday went poorly as Everton lost 4-0.
Kukonki, who also has a natural ability to play with his left, could spare the club from having to match Everton‘s £80m price tag.
The 16-year-old turned heads at Carrington after joining the senior stars in training during Amorim’s first week of United training.
He is yet to make his Premier League 2 debut but has got an assist in his only UEFA Youth League outing from left-back last month.
Kukonki has scored one goal and registered an assist in his nine appearances for United’s Under-18s so far.
He did make a brief cameo outing in the National League Cup as United’s Under-21s beat Forest Green Rovers 3-2 in October.
Kukonki played the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Stoke in the Premier League 2 on Saturday ahead of the trip to north London.
