Man Utd 'feel 16-year-old will make history' as Ruben Amorim prepares first debut

Some Manchester United figures believe talented teenage defender Godwill Kukonki could be about to make history for the club, according to reports. Ruben Amorim has wasted no time taking the 16-year-old under his wing as he sets out to continue United’s strong tradition of trusting youth.

The Portuguese head coach will need to call on the club’s academy to support his long-term rebuild in the coming years ahead of expected financial limitations in the transfer market.

During his impressive four-year reign at Sporting, he showcased his ability to improve individuals and develop young players, and United will be confident that he can follow suit in his new job.

Amorim appears to be preparing for the first academy graduation under his stewardship by integrating Kukonki with his senior squad.

The 6’5 centre-back, who can also cover at left-back travelled to Portman Road for Amorim’s first game in charge against Ipswich Town.

Kukonki wasn’t in the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-1 draw but would have gained plenty of valuable experience from the trip to East Anglia.

He could soon enter contention, though. According to the Mail, Kukonki wasn’t part of the Under-19 squad for Tuesday’s 2-1 UEFA Youth League defeat at reigning champions AZ Alkmaar.

Amorim reportedly requested that he not travel to the Netherlands but keep training with the first team at Carrington.

The new United boss is believed to be trying to instil his philosophy into all age groups, and Kukonki is receiving premium education.

While the starlet’s senior debut isn’t considered imminent, the report adds that there is a feeling at the club that Kukonki is destined to break records.

No defender has ever represented United in the Premier League before turning 18, and Kukonki’s 17th birthday isn’t until February.

While training with Amorim’s senior squad, he will likely continue playing for United’s Under-21s and Under-18s until his chance arises.

Kukonki’s first-team involvement may have been fast-tracked due to the defensive injury crisis that Amorim inherited in Manchester.

United were without Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Leny Yoro for the trip to Ipswich.

Noussair Mazraoui partnered Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans in defence, while Luke Shaw made his first appearance since February off the bench in the second half.

Kukonki’s continued presence in training this week could see him named in his first matchday squad when Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt visit Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday.