Who is Godwill Kukonki? The 16-year-old named in Ruben Amorim's first Manchester United squad
Ruben Amorim is set to give youth a chance from the start of his reign as Man Utd head coach.
There is set to be a new face in the Manchester United squad when Ruben Amorim begins his reign against Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon. The 39-year-old head coach will take charge of his side for the first time this weekend and has included 16-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki the travelling squad for the match amid an ongoing injury crisis in defence.
Leny Yoro has yet to make his competitive debut for the club since returning from injury, while there are doubts over the fitness of both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw following their recent rehabilitation. Harry Maguire is a long-term injury concern, while Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez both suffered setbacks during the international break.
It remains to be seen what role Kukonki will play against Ipswich, but having already caught the eye of Amorim in training this week it seems likely he will be on the bench. Here is everything you need to know about him:
Name: Godwill Kukonki
Date of Birth: 6 February 2006 (16)
Position: Centre-back
Nationality: England/DR Congo
Kukonki was born in Stoke-on-Trent and signed for United when he was just five. He has impressed club coaches throughout his decade at the club and is now viewed as one of the very brightest talents at their disposal.
He made three appearances for the U18s during their Treble-winning campaign last season and has since become a mainstay in the side this season. Kukonki was one of a number of players who signed scholarship terms in the summer and is viewed as someone with a realistic chance of making it in the professional game due to his physicality as well as his work ethic.
Kukonki has been training with the first-team ever since Amorim arrived at the club and could get further opportunities while they are short on defensive cover.