Manchester United’s newest teenage sensation may get a baptism of fireside by being included within the squad to face Arsenal this night.
Godwill Kukonki has impressed Ruben Amorim since he arrived on the membership and the present defensive disaster has opened up a door.
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Kukonki travelled with United’s matchday squad for Amorim’s first Premier League recreation – a 1-1 draw away in opposition to Ipswich City.
He was not named among the many substitutes at Portman Street, however his presence on the group bus was an indication of how extremely he’s rated.
Amorim’s thread-bare choices in defence following a decent turnaround from the win over Everton has seen him flip to Kukonki, who’s on the bench on the Emirates Stadium.
Lisandro Martinez is suspended for the journey to Arsenal, with Luke Shaw’s harm set-back offering the teenager with an opportunity.
The 16-year-old is a pure centre-back, however has performed nearly all of his U18 video games for Man United out on the left this season.
The budding centre-back is without doubt one of the tallest gamers in his age vary at a whopping 6ft 5ins, which is an inch taller than Harry Maguire.
His imposing physique, coupled together with his versatility to play at left-back for the U18s, has already earned him comparisons to Josko Gvardiol.
Kukonki may remedy an issue space for Amorim, who has continued utilizing a back-three in his favoured formation since his arrival.
Shaw would have been the pure option to deputise for Martinez on the Emirates, with Harry Amass additionally sidelined via harm.
Amorim, who’s simply three years older than veteran defender Jonny Evans, has proven his dedication to selling younger expertise.
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Kukonki hasn’t been thrust in from the beginning, however his inclusion in a United squad correct represents a serious profession milestone.
United signed right-footed defensive pair Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt this summer season, however are believed to stay eager on a left-footer.
talkSPORT revealed this month that United are plotting a contemporary transfer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite subsequent summer season.
United had two presents for the England worldwide price as much as £50million rejected earlier than the beginning of this season.
Whereas the 22-year-old stays excessive up on their wish-list, his Outdated Trafford audition on Sunday went poorly as Everton misplaced 4-0.
Kukonki, who additionally has a pure capacity to play together with his left, may spare the membership from having to match Everton’s £80m price ticket.
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The 16-year-old turned heads at Carrington after becoming a member of the senior stars in coaching throughout Amorim’s first week of United coaching.
He’s but to make his Premier League 2 debut however has bought an help in his solely UEFA Youth League outing from left-back final month.
Kukonki has scored one aim and registered an help in his 9 appearances for United’s Beneath-18s thus far.
He did make a short cameo outing within the Nationwide League Cup as United’s Beneath-21s beat Forest Inexperienced Rovers 3-2 in October.
Kukonki performed the complete 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Stoke within the Premier League 2 on Saturday forward of the journey to north London.