Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has already been impressed by one of the club’s most promising young prospects, who could now go on to make history in the Premier League
Teenage defender Godwill Kukonki is said to be on track to make Manchester United history after ‘catching the eye’ of new head coach Ruben Amorim.
The 16-year-old was included in the travelling party for Amorim’s first game this past weekend, although he did not make the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
However, United fans could get a glimpse of Kukonki in the first-team sooner rather than later. The young centre-back was invited to Suffolk as a ‘reward’ for impressing Amorim in training, according to The Mail.
It’s noted that Kukonki was due to feature for United’s Under-19s in a UEFA Youth League qualifier against AZ Alkmaar but was instead held back to continue working with the first-team after standing out in Amorim’s first week of training.
And while it’s stressed that a first-team berth may not be imminent, sources at Carrington believe Kukonki could go on to become the youngest defender to ever represent United at a senior level given he doesn’t turn 17 until February. To date, no United defender has ever played in the Premier League before turning 18.
Kukonki isn’t the only highly-rated teenager making encouraging noises at United, though, as the club prepare to hand former Arsenal youngster Chido Obi-Martin a professional contract.
The 16-year-old only signed for United on scholar terms back in October after electing to leave Arsenal, where he regularly clocked up ridiculous returns for the club’s Under-18 team.
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Obi-Martin, who scored a hat-trick on his first start for United inside 15 minutes against Nottingham Forest, is set to be rewarded with a professional contract when he turns 17 on Friday.
That’s according to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, who outline that plans are already in place for the prolific teenager to put pen-to-paper later this week. He has been tipped for big things at United after leaving Arsenal, who were desperate not to lose his services.
Speaking after his switch to United had been confirmed, Obi-Martin took to Instagram to express his excitement with a social media post. He wrote: “Very happy to sign with this amazing club, time to focus and achieve all my dreams. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far.”
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