Manchester United academy graduate Godwill Kukoni, 16, was included in Ruben Amorim’s first training session on Tuesday as the Portuguese manager kickstarts his reign at the club. But being a name unfamiliar with many – just who is Godwill Kukoni?
There’s A New Kid (And Boss) On The Block
Youngsters are often called up to train with the senior squad when extra numbers are required. This is particularly true during and around international breaks.
Godwill Kukonki didn’t get that opportunity under Erik ten Hag but he hasn’t had to wait long under new boss Ruben Amorim.
His early inclusion is already a promising sign for the towering 6ft 5in defender.
Up close with the boss 🔎♟️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 19, 2024
It is a significant milestone for the 16-year-old who got play football alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford – who was again left out of the England squad and Bruno Fernandes.
Die-hard United fans have been excited by the progress that Kukonki has made in the youth ranks and his chances of a senior debut have only been increased by the trust shown in him by Amorim – just days into Portuguese manager starting his new role after making the switch from Sporting.
Who Is Godwill Kukonki?
Godwill Kukonki has impressed while playing for United’s Under 18s side this season.
The teen was also given a chance to shine in the final 10 minutes against Forest Green Rovers for the U21s last month.
Kukonki’s physical stature and impressive height helps him stand out from the crowd compared to his peers.
Defensively he is solid and has also made an impact at the other end of the field this season.
He set up an assist against Liverpool for the U18s in August and netted in a 9-0 thrashing of Blackburn.
Kukonki can play either at left-back or centre-back and it’s hard to argue that a left-footed defender with the strength and power that Kukonki already possesses wouldn’t be an attraction to Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese boss has operated with a three-at-the-back system which needs athletic and physical defenders.
Godwill Kukonki vs Blackburn U18s, looks like a great prospect 👀
[@MarcusKnowsBall]pic.twitter.com/hEis8oBls4 https://t.co/ESZfLRlS3V— Frank🧠🇵🇹 (fan) (@AmorimEra_) November 18, 2024
He has not gone unnoticed among the club’s fans who have even compared him to Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol.
Kukonki looks set to move up from the U18s after playing a role in their unbeaten start to the season.
He will celebrate his 17th birthday in February and is still some way away from playing in the Premier League. However, Kukonki will be hoping to get more senior training sessions under his belt and perhaps even an appearance in the FA Cup if things go his way.
Amorim hasn’t been shy of using young players in the past. The Red Devils are linked with the signing of Geovany Quenda, 17, who got his opportunity under Amorim at Sporting.
Godwill Kukonki Gets His Chance To Impress
Ruben Amorim has been working with a reduced squad with 14 players out on international duty. But first-team players are now gradually returning ahead of his first game with Ipswich this weekend.
This gave Kukonki the chance to impress the new boss and show why he could be an option going forward.
Amorim has plenty of experience of developing young players. At Sporting, 27 academy stars were handed their senior debut during his time in charge.
There are plenty of options at centre-back at United with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all at Amorim’s disposal.
High intensity ⚡️
Maximum effort 👊#MUFC pic.twitter.com/jrCwRD17Pl— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 18, 2024
Some of those may leave in the coming years and Kukonki will hope to fill the void.
Kukonki will have enjoyed his first session going off the words of Rashford, who on social media indicated he had a good first impression of working under new boss Amorim.
Rashford in his post on social media wrote: “Top session today.”
