Who is Godwill Kukonki? The Man Utd defender included in Ruben Amorim's first matchday squad after 'impressing' in training

Ruben Amorim has sent a clear statement to every young player at Manchester United by including 16-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki in his first matchday squad.

After weeks of waiting, Amorim will finally take charge of his first game as United head coach on Sunday afternoon, when the Reds take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

The 39-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the world's most exciting coaches, has taken just a handful of training sessions at Carrington ahead of the Premier League clash.

But a number of players have already impressed, including Godwill Kukonki; the versatile teenage defender who stands at an impressive 6ft5in tall.

In fact, Kukonki has been included in Amorim's first matchday squad, according to Fabrizio Romano and the reliable AcademyScoop, who claim the 16-year-old centre-back has impressed Amorim.

With a number of players on international duty, academy product Kukonki got his first taste of senior football on Monday when he was invited to train with the first-team squad.

And the youngster, who has been at United since the age of five, has certainly made his presence felt, with the Manchester Evening News reporting that the player has 'turned heads' at Carrington.

"Kukonki is one of the tallest players in his age range and his imposing physique has earned him early comparisons to Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol," the report added.

"Like Gvardiol, despite being a centre-back by trade, Kukonki has been utilised in the left-back role for the U18s. His versatility, coupled with his natural ability to play with his left foot could also earmark him as an alternative to Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite."

Image credit: Getty

Amorim has also been impressed by the injury-plagued Mason Mount in his opening few days as United manager.

“Mason Mount… I have to tell you I love that kid,” he told the club's media on Friday. “You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. And this is the most important thing for me.

“I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he’s trying to stay fit and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he’s shown, for example, in Chelsea.”

Amorim added: “He played in this system [before], so it’s perfect for him. I have two positions for Mason Mount, so he should be very happy."