Who is Godwill Kukonki? 17-year-old defender in Manchester United squad for huge Lyon second leg

Godwill Kukonki has been included in the Manchester United match day squad to face Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim has included three academy stars in his provisional squad, with seven players to miss the match due to injury.

Andre Onana will start in goal instead of Altay Bayindir, while Harry Maguire will likely start in central defence in place of the injured Matthijs de Ligt. Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the attack after Joshua Zirkzee was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Kukonki, Jaydan Kamason, Harry Amass and Jack Moorhouse were all pictured at Old Trafford on Thursday afternoon ahead of the clash. Kukonki is yet to make a senior appearance for the club but could make history if he gets onto the pitch against Lyon.

Who is Manchester United youngster Godwill Kukonki?

Name: Godwill Kukonki

Date of Birth: 6 February 2006 (17)

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 several 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 and work ethic.

Kukonki has been training with the first team since Amorim arrived at the club and is one of those who could make their senior debut before the end of the season. The 17-year-old travelled to Ipswich for the Portuguese head coach’s first match in charge but was not named in the final match-day squad. He has been an unused substitute for the first team four times and was on the bench for the recent goalless draw against Man City.

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