By Filip Mishov
Manchester United‘s underwhelming switch enterprise in January angered the membership’s fanbase and hardly addressed the squad’s wants, however based on Rúben Amorim, each the top coach and the membership are pleased with the selections taken within the winter switch window. Does the Portuguese coach have one thing up his sleeve?
FotMob picks three 17-year-olds who might presumably make an affect within the second half of the season, because the Purple Devils is likely to be on the point of name upon their famend soccer manufacturing unit to avoid wasting their season, as soon as once more.
1. Godwill Kukonki
With Lisandro Martínez set to overlook the second half of the season and presumably the beginning of 2025/26 resulting from an harm to his cruciate ligament, Manchester United’s backline is in dire want of a left-footed centre-back to exchange the Argentinean. Amorim used Noussair Mazraoui as Licha’s substitute within the first half of the FA Cup conflict with Leicester Metropolis, however the head coach switched the Moroccan and Leny Yoro‘s positions at half-time with the Frenchman ending the match on the left of the again three. Clearly, the Portuguese tactician is searching for totally different options, however not one of the out there centre-backs is left-footed and with Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw each injured, it’s clear that neither of them offers the best resolution. With that being mentioned, a chance arises for the newly-signed centre-back, Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, however even when the left-footed Englishman establishes himself throughout the first group in the course of the second half of the season, as anticipated, cowl for Heaven is much-needed and Godwill Kukonki is likely to be the reply.
The 17-year-old is unquestionably the one participant from the academy who has impressed Amorim probably the most since taking on the helm again in November final yr, because the 196 cm tall defender has been ever-present in first group coaching and Kukonki has been named within the matchday squad on three events within the Premier League.
Kukonki is a left-footed centre-back who may play as a left again and the imposing defender has featured prominently for the U18s this season, making 15 appearances throughout all competitions and incomes his debut for the U21s too. The athletic centre-back has a distinct profile new signing Heaven, and despite the fact that the 17-year-old at the moment lacks the flexibility to construct up from the again, which is the previous’s specialty, Kukonki can supply much-needed stability and composure within the backline. It stays to be seen whether or not the gifted defender will make his first group’s debut earlier than the top of the season, however Kukonki is unquestionably the favorite to grow to be the primary academy graduate to take action beneath Amorim.
2. Shea Lacey
Having missed many of the U18s’ title-winning marketing campaign final season and a major half of the present season resulting from varied accidents, Shea Lacey made his long-awaited comeback on the pitch within the Premier League U18’s draw (2:2) towards Liverpool final weekend.
Touted as one of the vital gifted gamers of his era in England, Lacey is a left-footed proper winger who simply will get previous defenders resulting from his tempo and dribbling potential. Likened to Phil Foden resulting from his low centre of gravity and small stature, the tough Englishman is a nightmare to defend towards, particularly resulting from his unimaginable potential to function in tight areas, near the best touchline.
Given Manchester United’s lack of creativity behind the striker and Amorim’s use of Amad Diallo, each for granted wing-back and right-sided no. 10, it feels inevitable that Lacey will catch his eye eventually, similar to he did his predecessor. Erik ten Hag even promoted Lacey to first group’s coaching in direction of the top of final season earlier than the then 16-year-old winger acquired injured.
Able to taking part in both for granted wing-back/winger or as a right-sided no. 10, Lacey might simply play along with Diallo, with the gamers’ potential to change positions throughout video games.
3. Chido Obi-Martin
After netting a record-breaking 32 targets in simply 18 league appearances for Arsenal U18s final season, the Danish striker determined to do a ‘Robin van Persie‘ and go away London as a way to proceed his improvement by becoming a member of up with the reigning Premier League U18 champions final summer time.
Judging by his begin to life at Carrington, the 17-year-old is on the best path and regardless of solely making his debut within the Purple Devils’ shirt in early October final yr, Obi-Martin has already scored 9 targets and notched a few assists in 9 appearances for the U18s throughout all competitions, whereas additionally making his debut for the U21s as effectively.
With Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund being the one recognised centre-forwards within the first group this season and neither scoring commonly within the Premier League, it isn’t a shock to see Oi-Martin’s identify put ahead instead possibility for the no. 9 function.
Moreover, the membership’s resolution to ship the extra senior Ethan Wheatley out on mortgage final month opens a beginning spot within the U21s for Obi-Martin in the course of the second half of the season, which strikes him ever-closer to the primary group.
Lastly, Obi-Martin is a tall 188 cm striker with a pure goalscoring intuition and one who, if he develops as anticipated by way of his all-round passing skills, can grow to be a world-class centre-forward.
Apparently sufficient, the Dane’s taking part in model is harking back to Victor Osimhen, who stays one of many membership’s high targets to strengthen the assault over the upcoming summer time switch window. In the long run, whether or not it’s to be this season or the subsequent, Obi-Martin’s first group debut feels inevitable.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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