Coach Ruben Amorim Discovers a “16-Year-Old Prodigy” for Manchester United
Coach Ruben Amorim may have unearthed a promising young talent for Manchester United after calling up 16-year-old defender Godwill Kukoni to join the first team’s training session on Monday. This marked Amorim’s first training session in charge since receiving his work permit last week.
With several first-team players still on international duty, the Portuguese coach took the opportunity to assess younger talents. According to the Manchester Evening News, this is the first time Kukoni, a left-footed center-back, has trained with the senior squad. Previously, he was a regular starter at center-back for the U18 team.
Kukoni stands out not only for his talent but also for his imposing physique. At just 16 years old, he already measures 1.95 meters in height and is widely regarded as a player with a bright future ahead.
Given Manchester United’s ongoing defensive crisis, Kukoni’s inclusion in the first team training could even lead to him being named in the matchday squad this weekend for Amorim’s managerial debut.
The defensive issues stem from Victor Lindelof’s injury during Sweden’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the Nations League, forcing him off the pitch after just 26 minutes. Harry Maguire is still sidelined, while Lisandro Martinez withdrew from the Argentina squad due to a back problem.
French defender Leny Yoro, a summer signing from Lille, is yet to make an appearance this season. This leaves Amorim with only two fully fit center-backs: Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans. In such circumstances, Kukoni could prove to be a vital backup option.