Ruben Amorim is set to call a 16-year-old up to United’s squad for tonight’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal.
Amorim, 39, will call up the youngster for the match at the Emirates this evening, as Luke Shaw was ruled out of the fixture on Tuesday.
Shaw, 29, posted an emotional statement to his Instagram story on Tuesday evening confirming the news.
Advert
His absence means United will be short of options on the left side of defence, with Lisandro Martinez also set to miss out due to suspension.
In his first two Premier League games in charge – against Ipswich and Everton – Amorim opted for Diogo Dalot as a left wing-back despite the Portuguese usually being used as a right-back.
The MEN have confirmed that Godwill Kukonki will be part of United’s squad for this evening’s fixture.
Advert
Kukonki has reportedly impressed Amorim, who has “promoted him to first-team sessions”.
The 16-year-old also travelled to Portman Road for United’s 1-1 draw against the Tractor Boys on Sunday, 24 November, but did not make the matchday squad or participate in the warm-up.
But he is expected to be involved in some capacity on Wednesday night.
The Stoke-on-Trent-born defender is an imposing figure, standing at six feet five inches, and has been known to play as a left-back and a centre-back given the fact he is left-footed.
Advert
Therefore, he could fill in at left centre-back if called upon.
His technical ability and physical capabilities have already drawn comparisons with Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol.
Amorim stressed the importance of developing young players in a press conference last week.
Advert
“You need young guys, guys from the academy for everything,” he said.
“To bring that history to the club…. because they feel the club in a different way.
“But also because you have all these rules about financial fair play, you have all these players from our academy, is so much different from the players we bought and sell.
“Everything is connected, I will try help all the players, especially the young ones.”
Advert
Kukonki has scored once and registered a single assist in his nine appearances for United’s Under-18s side so far this season – although he is yet to make his Premier League 2 debut.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Ruben Amorim, Luke Shaw, Transfer News
Luke Davies