Manchester United’s U21 side lost on Monday night, but individually, there were a handful of excellent performances on the pitch, with Godwill Kukonki holding his own against the talented Chelsea attack.
It was an injury-marred Premier League 2 outing for Manchester United, which resulted in a second defeat of the campaign for the current title favourites. United were 2-0 losers, with Chido Obi’s injury effectively spoiling the competitiveness of the clash, as the biggest threat Adam Lawrence had was gone.
But there were positives to take from the game, such as the performance of Godwill Kukonki in central defence, passing his new challenge with flying colours.
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Godwill Kukonki prepares to take a throw.
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Godwill Kukonki shines for Manchester United U21 at centre-back
Kukonki has been excellent for the U18s this season, as a left-back, but recently the 18-year-old has stepped up to the U21s, taking on a new challenge of starting at centre-back.
Until recently, Kukonki was being deployed at left-back, with the intention of developing his technical ability for more success when finally moved back to the centre of defence.
Kukonki had begun dominating for the U18s, and now Lawrence has brought him into the U21s for an increased challenge in a more important and long-term position.
Against Chelsea, Kukonki started his second straight game at centre-back, and he already looks very comfortable in the role.
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On the ball, he can be relied on with good passing and evades a press with ease. He also defends really well, retaining his physical edge from U18 football, given his 6ft 5in frame.
By still being the biggest player on the pitch at an increased level, Kukonki shows he is worth being excited about.
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Spending time as a left-back has led to real improvements in his game, setting him up for future success.
Kukonki can make first-team strides for Manchester United
With Kukonki now becoming a regular U21 player, it shows the club believe he has improved enough to warrant the promotion, with Lawrence putting faith in him as a centre-back.
Kukonki was in the match-day squad against Crystal Palace, despite not making the bench, and has been in a number of teams this season already.
If he manages to continue improving and impressing as a centre-back in the U21s, the logical next step for Kukonki will be first-team promotion.
Michael Carrick was at the Leigh Sports Village to watch United’s U21 team on Monday night, and Kukonki was the clear standout.
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