Manchester United’s academy is having a golden period right now, and Ruben Amorim needs to take advantage.
Ineos have invested heavily in youth in their opening three transfer windows at Manchester United, but as good as the recruitment is, Carrington already had talents who were equally as exciting.
Last season, Ruben Amorim handed out three academy debuts in the form of Chido Obi, Harry Amass, and Tyler Fredricson. This list seems sure to double, if not triple, over the 2025-26 campaign as several academy prospects are well placed to take the next step over the summer.
Jack Fletcher is one wonderkid ready to step up next season, having shown himself to be beyond academy football with his 2024-25 efforts. Another who is likely to play a senior role in the next 12 months is United’s biggest academy talent, Shea Lacey.
However, the levels of talent within Carrington mean there are plenty more who could step up, and among them is an absolute mountain of a defender.
Godwill Kukonki walking toward camera away from Manchester United squad.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Godwill Kukonki was the first academy player to impress Ruben Amorim
While it is the glamorous attackers who get fans most excited for an academy breakout, brilliant defenders emerging from youth ranks are almost more satisfying due to the rarity of it happening.
Last season, with the breakthrough of Fredricson and the signing of Ayden Heaven, United were blessed with exciting defensive debutants who covered for the deficiencies in the senior side.
Next season, it could be time for Godwill Kukonki to make his mark in the first team.
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Kukonki was the first academy star to catch Amorim’s eye, with the 17-year-old making himself a regular in first-team training early on, having impressed on day one.
After being involved in the senior setup, it was said that Kukonki’s integration for United was seamless, with one quality in particular giving him an edge.
It is assumed that Kukonki’s physicality sets him apart from his United peers, considering that at 17, he already looks like a professional alongside his senior teammates. Amorim values physicality, and it usually plays a big part in whether a youth player can make the step up.
Ruben Amorim must take the next step with Godwill Kukonki
Kukonki is seen as one of the highest-potential United talents, especially in defence, where he could form a long-term back three with Leny Yoro and Heaven. So standing already at 6ft 5in, it is easy to see why he is so highly rated as a dominating defender.
However, despite all the promise he showed in the academy and first-team training sessions, Kukonki is yet to make his official debut for the club.
This has to change next season, and there is a strong chance that it will, with the departures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof clearing space within the ranks.
United play a Carabao Cup second round game in August, for the first time in years, and this could be when Kukonki’s debut comes, assuming he impresses during pre-season under Amorim.