Godwill Kukonki is rapidly rising through the Manchester United ranks and he was even selected for the step up to first-team training by Ruben Amorim as he took his first session
Manchester United prospect Godwill Kukonki has taken part in Ruben Amorim’s first training session at the club.
Youngsters who are making solid progress in the United academy are often drafted into first-team training when extra numbers are required at their training base, Carrington, with several players still away on international duty. Kukonki was among those in Amorim’s first session, which has represented a huge milestone for the towering 6’5″ defender.
The 16-year-old has been impressing in the Under-18s and was given a chance to shine in the final 10 minutes against Forest Green Rovers for the Under-21s in October. Despite his tender age, the youngster has been showing signs of the technical and physical prowess needed for senior football.
The starlet’s left-footed skills have made him a valuable asset, especially as he can play both centre-back and left-back positions. He’s even drawn early comparisons with Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol.
After United’s failed attempts to sign left-footed centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton over the summer, Kukonki could now find his pathway to the first team clear. The Stoke-on-Trent-born defender notched up an assist against Liverpool in an August U18s fixture and netted in their recent resounding 9-0 triumph over Blackburn Rovers.
Kukonki’s physical stature and his impressive height is expected to aid him as he strives for a spot in the first team, having climbed through the youth ranks in fast fashion. With a strong start to the new season, Kukonki has sparked excitement among supporters and is tipped by academy experts to make his senior debut one day, especially now he has been earmarked by Amorim.
The United U18s are the reigning champions and have been in strong form this season, sitting top of the Premier League U18s table with nine wins out of nine, as they look to defend their title. Kukonki has played a pivotal role after becoming a regular starter, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Amorim, who plays with three central defenders in a 3-4-3 formation, will now be looking for reliable and flexible defenders with Kukonki now no doubt hopeful he could earn a debut under United’s new boss sooner rather than later. In the meantime, he will celebrate his 17th birthday in February and will be targeting more appearances for the Under-21s and sessions under Amorim.
If Marcus Rashford’s words were anything to go by, young Kukonki will have enjoyed his first taste of senior training at United. The forward offered a glowing verdict of Amorim’s first impression, hailing “top session today” on social media.
The Portuguese boss officially began work last week having arrived from Sporting CP. Several players are still missing on international duty but a handful were put through their paces at Carrington. Amorim’s first game in charge will come this Sunday at Portman Road with the Red Devils taking on Ipswich Town.
And the 39-year-old has claimed that United fans can expect to see his “identity” for the team taking shape already. He said: “We know that we need time, but we have to win time. To win time is to win games. But the most important thing for me is identity. So since day one we will start with our identity.”
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