Godwill Kukonki, a teenage sensation, appears to be headed for a future in Manchester United’s first team after being included to Ruben Amorim’s inaugural travelling squad.

 

This afternoon, the Portuguese manager will face Ipswich Town at Portman Road in his first encounter in command of the club.

 

Ruben Amorim leads his first Manchester United game this afternoon. The Portuguese manager led his first training session earlier this week, and he included 16-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki in his traveling squad for today’s match against Ipswich. Kukonki was called up to train with the first team this week.

 

United fans all around the world have been wondering what Amorim’s first starting lineup will look like.

 

And some have been surprised by Amorim’s choice to bring along adolescent Kukonki, even if it was only to gain first-team squad experience without a spot on the bench.

 

But who is the adolescent who is currently the talk of the Old Trafford fans?

 

SunSport is on hand to throw some light on the starlet, who many believe has a promising future at the club.

 

How long has Kukonki been with Manchester United?

 

The 16-year-old defender, who was born in Stoke-on-Trent, joined United at the age of five after being spotted by scouts.

 

He’s been a constant presence in the club’s younger squads throughout the years, and his remarkable stature has helped him stand out recently.

 

Kukonki is 6ft 5in tall and shows no signs of slowing down in his growth.

 

His great physique has served him well over the years, but it is not the only reason for his success.

 

Godwill Kukonki stands at a massive 6ft 5in at the youthful age of sixteen.The defender has been praised for his ability on the ball.

 

How has Kukonki fared so far?

During his stay at the club, the left-sided centre-back has demonstrated defensive prowess that belies his age.

 

Kukonki has truly responded to the challenge this season, demonstrating exceptional skill on and off the ball in addition to his athletic abilities.

 

His ability to play out from the back, in particular, has been repeatedly heralded.

 

Kukonki has nine appearances for United’s Under-18s this season, with one goal and one assist.

 

And his good performances must have reached Amorim, who made the brave decision to put him in today’s matchday squad.

 

Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man Utd

 

WHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.

 

Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.

 

But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.

 

Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.

 

He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers.

 

The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.

 

And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.

 

Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.

 

Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.

 

United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”

 

And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.

 

For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.

 

What’s Kukonki said?

Kukonki, unsurprisingly, has yet to conduct any interviews.

 

He has, however, reflected on his brief United career on his Instagram account – which only includes four posts.

 

Late last month, he shared a series of snaps from his Uefa Youth League debut against Lithuanian ZK Zalgiris.

 

Along with a praying hands emoji, he wrote #UYL debut.”

 

He’ll no doubt post a similar photo if and when he makes his first-team debut.

 

Godwill Kukonki has been tipped by many to have a bright future at Old Trafford