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New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly named academy youngster Godwill Kukonki in his matchday squad vs. Ipswich Town.
Amorim is set to officially take charge of his first game as United boss, since his appointment on November 1 as Erik ten Hag’s direct replacement.
The Portuguese coach has impressed during his media obligations, displaying a blend of charm, charisma and personality that his predecessor somewhat lacked.
He has on more than one occasion, declared his intention to nurture United’s youngsters and help continue the club’s rich and extensive culture of bringing them through the ranks.
A few days ago, it emerged that Amorim included 16-year-old Kukonki in first-team training, the first time the teenager was afforded such an opportunity.
According to Academy Scoop, Amorim has gone a step further and named Kukonki in United’s matchday squad to take on Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich a few hours from now.
Academy Scoop wrote on X, “Exclusive: Ruben Amorim has included 16 year-old defender Godwill Kukonki in his first ever match-day squad to face Ipswich this afternoon.”
“Kukonki who joined United at just five, signing his scholarship deal in the summer, has impressed the Portuguese coach in training.”
Exclusive: Ruben Amorim has included 16 year-old defender Godwill Kukonki in his first ever match-day squad to face Ipswich this afternoon.
Kukonki who joined United at just five, signing his scholarship deal in the summer, has impressed the Portuguese coach in training. pic.twitter.com/XsedXexPTb
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) November 24, 2024
This has also been confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
🔴✨ Rubén Amorim set to include Godwill Kukonki (16, defender) in his first ever match-day squad today.
This is the plan for Ipswich game after he trained with the squad during international break, as @AcademyScoop reports. pic.twitter.com/JdHcgssxj4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 24, 2024
Standing at 6’5″, Kukonki has been a regular presence in the Under-18s, where he has impressed. He was handed some minutes back in October in the Under-21s when they meet Forest Green Rovers.
A left-footed defender, the teenager has demonstrated very promising signs of his technical and physical prowess – attributes that will undoubtedly hold him in good stead when making the transition from youth level to senior football.
Ipswich vs. United kicks off at 16:30 BST.