New Delhi: Ruben Amorim found his first Premier League win for Manchester United last weekend against Everton. The Portuguese manager has brought new hope for success at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag’s tenure ended in disappointment, with many big names failing to perform for the side.
There are many who will hope to find their form as United look to regain their glory days. During the 39-year-old’s first training session at the club, there was an unfamiliar 16-year-old training with the senior team. The teenager is Godwill Kukonki, who has been named in the squad for United’s Premier League game against Arsenal.
Tonight also marks #MUAcademy defender Godwill Kukonki’s first appearance in a first-team matchday squad 👏
Backing you, Godwill ❤️#MUFC || #ARSMUN https://t.co/h2PQfx7Ai4 pic.twitter.com/NUqanDp534
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2024
Kukonki first signed with United at just five years old and has progressed through the academy. A strong, dominating, and athletic defender, Kukonki has been compared with the likes of Joski Gvardiol. His dominating style of play allows him to play in the centre of defence as well as on the left with his 6th 5in height helping him to become more lethal.
How will Godwill Kukonki impact Amorim’s back three?
As a left-footed defender, he is someone who can bring a lot of versatility to the backline. This will suit someone like Amroim, who is known for employing a 3-4-3 formation and requires agile and physically strong defenders. In Amorim’s playing structure, defenders are known for getting a chance to play at the centre-back, and currently, there are only two experienced left-footed players who can feature in this position, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez.
Shaw is injured again having played only twice this season and played on the centre of the back three. He had previously impressed everyone in the centre-half position as well. There is a chance he will be shifted on this inside when he returns to full fitness again. This means only Martinez becomes Amorim’s option in the back three formations aside from Kukonki.
Kukonki has been making his name in the junior levels and recently was included in U-21 squad of the club after a fantastic term with Un-18 side this season, playing in eight of the nine games for the team. He was crucial in helping the side maintain seven clean sheets this season.
Over the year Red Devils have produced many young talents and Kukonki could be the next star that comes through the academy. He has the ability to impact at the back and create troubles for his opposition. With Amorim fast tracking him to the senior side, it does give an insight into the trend he will following during his tenure. Although Amorim has different formations with different combinations of players, Kukonki could become a key to his success.
The former Braga manager has a reputation for giving teenage talents a chance with the top team. Aside this, the club does have a reduced budget for transfer which does mean that the new manager will depend a lot on the academy products.
Academy graduate Godwill Kukonki will be playing for the first time in Manchester United’s senior team against Arsenal in the Premier League. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
