Ruben Amorim immediately highlighted Godwill Kukonki as an exciting talent once he became Manchester United head coach.
Just a few weeks after Ruben Amorim was appointed head coach, Godwill Kukonki was called up to first-team training at the age of 16.
The 6ft 5in defender was personally picked out by Amorim to be included in training, and he will now be hoping to make his senior debut in 2025/26.
According to BBC Sport, United are set to imminently announce a new long-term deal for Godwill Kukonki with the Red Devils eager to tie down the now 17-year-old.
Manchester United defender Godwill Kukonki.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United’s plan for Godwill Kukonki in 2025/26
Kukonki didn’t make his senior Manchester United debut last season, but he was included in several matchday squads and featured on the bench six times.
After Kukonki starred in the post-season tour of Asia, the next step in his career is to pick up senior minutes under Amorim.
According to the BBC Sport report, sources at United believe Kukonki has a big future ahead of him at Old Trafford.
Despite the impressive defensive depth in Amorim’s squad, United are planning to keep Kukonki with the first team next season rather than loan him out.
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Kukonki will hope to be in the squad for the pre-season tour of the United States later this month. It will give the teenager a platform to impress Amorim and his staff ahead of 2025/26.
Another chance to impress will come in November when Kukonki is expected to feature for England in the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Godwill Kukonki faces fierce competition from two Man United youngsters
Amorim’s three-at-the-back system means there is plenty of opportunity for centre-backs to push for a starting spot.
However, United have good depth at the back and Kukonki will have to compete with both Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson for a first-team spot.
Fredricson was handed a new squad number earlier this week to represent his growing importance in the first team. He, alongside Kukonki, will also hope for more first-team minutes next season.
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But United are clearly confident that their three young centre-backs can form a healthy competition for places next season, with Kukonki set to stay with the squad.
Lisandro Martinez will return in 2026 to make it even tougher to get into the side, but Amorim has already shown plenty of faith in United’s youth and that will continue next season.