-Credit:Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United have a reputation for believing in young talent – from the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92, the Reds pride themselves on offering a path from the academy to the first team.
In recent years, that tradition has continued with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho the latest faces to find a place in the United first team after rising through the ranks. Before the academy stars can burst onto the scene for the first team, they must first put in the work at Carrington and one of the latest players to make that jump into first-team training is Godwill Kukonki.
The centre-back made the squads for the games against Arsenal and Newcastle in the Premier League. Now, Kukonki is back on the bench for the visit of Southampton.
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The 16-year-old is turning heads at Carrington, particularly with centre-back potentially becoming a problem position in the near future. At 6ft5, Kukonki is one of the tallest players in his age range and his imposing physique has earned him early comparisons to Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol.
Like Gvardiol, despite being a centre-back by trade, Kukonki has been utilised in the left-back role for the U18s. His versatility, coupled with his natural ability to play with his left foot could also earmark him as a key player for Ruben Amorim having spoken about his desire to add more left-sided defenders to the team.
Everton are believed to want £80m for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has previously been linked with the Reds, which looks likely to be out of Ineos’ price range so United developing their own impressive left-footed centre-back could be just what is needed. The youngster can also play at left-back which is proving to be a problem area for United, given the injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s lack of opportunities.
Enthusiasm for Kukonki’s elevation into the first team may need to be tempered considering the centre-back has yet to make considerable appearances in the Premier League 2. Most of Kukonki’s development has been played out in the Premier League’s U18 division.
However, his promotion into first-team training is another checkpoint ticked off in his development and this is unlikely to be the last we hear of the teenager.
Date of birth: February 8, 2008.
Position: Centre-back and left-back.
Nationality: English.
Career history: Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Kukonki has become a regular starter for the U18s this season.