Manchester United’s academy ranks are packed to the brim with excellent prospects who are tipped to become first team players for the club.
By casting an eye over a list of the teenage talents who are at Manchester United right now, it becomes clear why fans are so excited.
Carrington plays home to some sensational youngsters across all positions on the pitch, and central defensive ranks are no different.
Leny Yoro is just 19 yet is already showcasing generational ability which has the club very excited. Recently, Bruno Fernandes labelled Yoro as ‘world class’ and all signs suggest he will back this up.
Another teenager defender who is highly impressive is Ayden Heaven who United consider generational and he has been flawless since his £1.5m transfer to Old Trafford.
Reece Munro is another exciting defender, however, it is a different player who caught Ruben Amorim’s eye immediately and is therefore tipped to make history.
Godwill Kukonki in action for Manchester United's first team.
Photo by How Foo Yeen/Getty Images
Godwill Kukonki can become Premier League’s youngest defender
Godwill Kukonki was an instant favourite for Amorim when he arrived in November. This meant that the then 16-year-old Kukonki was immediately involved in first team squads, including for a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
The main reason for his quick progression was that Kukonki had impressed Amorim with his physicality, as his massive frame and height set him apart from his peers.
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Due to this, excitement around the club is high, however the teenager was not given his debut by Amorim, which would have made history.
No defender has ever debuted in Premier League for United and so there is a chance that he breaks history, at just 17. Kukonki won’t be turning 18 until the start of February and so he has plenty of time to achieve this.
Last season, the Express reported that United staff were tipping Kukonki to make this piece of history. This report claimed that Amorim had requested Kukonki remained around the first-team to develop despite plans for his debut being a while off.
Godwill Kukonki will hope to impress during Manchester United pre-season
While yet to debut, Kukonki did feature in the 2025 post season tour of Asia and showcased some encouraging signs in doing so. However, the 2025-26 season is when Kukonki will want to take the next step.
Having been shown faith by Amorim, Kukonki will want to make his mark for United and during pre-season is when he will get his chance.
Despite not being pictured with the first team, Amorim will be keeping a keen eye on Kukonki and how he is progressing as a defender as the Portuguese head coach clearly has ambitions of Kukonki becoming a star.
United are looking to extend Kukonki’s contract at the same time as he will be playing to earn this extension and all being well this will be wrapped up soon.
A big season awaits.