Ruben Amorim makes huge statement in his first training session as Man Utd manager with shock player involved

Ruben Amorim has made a major squad decision as he takes charge of his first training session as Manchester United manager, it has been reported.

Amorim officially became United boss on November 11, though had to wait for the formalities of his work permit to be completed before he could lead training sessions.

The 39-year-old has had his work cut out in preparation for Sunday's trip to Ipswich Town, with many of United's first team players on international duty.

Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Leny Yoro have all trained as they make their returns from injury, but it is still a threadbare squad that Amorim is working with at present as he looks to implement his preferred 3-4-3 tactical style.

And according to the Manchester Evening News, he has taken the surprise step of calling up a 16-year-old to bolster numbers in what is his first training session.

He has decided to promote highly-rated centre-back Godwill Kukonki into the first team fold, with the defender set to be involved while international players are still absent.

However, that is not the only reason Kukonki is involved.

The MEN say that United academy staff have identified the 6ft 5in defender as having the physical and technical qualities to succeed in senior football.

The club also have a policy of promoting those players who are 'making strong progress in the academy' when the first team squad is short on numbers.

Kukonki, who was born in Stoke-on-Trent, is a left-footed centre-back and has also played at left-back on occasion for the U18 side.

Man Utd have called up Godwill Kukonki to first team training (Image: Getty)

The defender's rise has been staggering, as he was eased into the U18 setup last season but has started all but one of their games this season.

He also made a 15-minute appearance off the bench for the U21 side in their Bristol Street Motors Trophy match against Forest Green last month.

Also involved at Carrington was midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has missed the last seven games in all competitions with a muscle injury.

The 19-year-old has played just nine games in all competitions during 2024/25 after a breakout campaign last season which saw him named in the full England squad that reached the Euro 2024 final.

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