Godwill Kukonki

If everything goes well, maybe Kukonki gets 5-10 minutes off the bench today. Would be very nice
 
Born in 2008 :lol: feck me
 
I really admire his ability to break the lines with his passing, a crucial attribute for a centre-back in Amorim's system.

If Amorim sees him as a viable rotational option next season, it could save the club a significant amount of money.
 
Would be great to see an academy defender coming through.

It's a position we often really struggle to bring academy players into the first team. Even recently we've had some decent young defenders who made a good career outside of United but I don't remember one who really made it here since Evans.
 
@MyOnlySolskjaer maybe it’s time to draft a performance thread for Kukonki? He’s in the match day squad and who knows, perhaps he comes off the bench today :)
 
I've been impressed with him so far in the U18's.

But he is still only 16 - younger than some who people have rightly said it would be too early to promote. Even Chido Obi, who also benefits from a strong physical build at 16.

I guess it's as much to do with positional vacancy as much as potential - probably too early for Shaw and Malacia yet, and Martinez missed the internationals with injury. So likely a shortage of left footed CB/LB's available at this stage.

Pleased for him. He looks a good promising defender - similar to right footed Munro, who's also doing well with the U18's.
 
Always exciting to see youth come through. He reminds me a bit of Maguire with the line breaking passing but in a good way
 
Barca promoted Pau Cubarsi at the age of 16 and more or less instantly became a regular starter for them. Kukonki is far more physically ready so you’d expect him to be able to come on as a sub at least in games where we’re comfortable.

Hopefully under Amorim we can be more dominant and ruthless and start winning games more comfortably so we can give youngsters the odd 15-20 mins to impress.
 
All that hype and then he’s not in the squad :lol:

Travelled with them anyway, good experience for the kid.
 
I like it. Get him used to the experience without any pressure.

Do you rate him highly?

Yeah it’s a great experience regardless. Long way to go but he has a lot of the tools needed, especially for a CB.
 
Was he the only academy player in training today? At least I didn't spot anyone else.

Based on the footage I’ve seen yeah it seems so (in terms of outfield players). The first team squad is getting pretty healthy at the moment so that will somewhat reduce the need for academy players.
 
On the United bench as a 16-year old :eek: What a moment for him, first of many hopefully!
 
Great news for him and all the academy really. Shows there will be chances for those with potential with this manager. Be interesting to see who else gets an opportunity.
 
very rare to see a 16 year old cb in the PL

only one I can recall is Reece Oxford
 
He will be a regular before the end of the season. Back three
Yoro De Ligt Kukoni
 
Think he's physically almost, or ready but the rest... Well Sir Alex said to give youngsters a chance because sometimes they surprise you. Might be that he does.

Agreed. But naturally the gaffer is going to be supportive in his communication.
 
Good to see him involved with the travelling squad again, doing warm-ups etc. It’s obvious the coaching staff rate him highly.
 
Good to see him involved with the travelling squad again, doing warm-ups etc. It’s obvious the coaching staff rate him highly.
Only 16 years old and 6 ft 5, could still grow a few more inches. Interesting long term option to play LCB. How is his pace?
 
Only 16 years old and 6 ft 5, could still grow a few more inches. Interesting long term option to play LCB. How is his pace?

Quick - but not lightning quick. But at the same time, no runner is fully developed at 16 so he could be really quick in 2-3 years
 
Quick - but not lightning quick. But at the same time, no runner is fully developed at 16 so he could be really quick in 2-3 years

Yeah, I agree. He's a monster physically for his age. With proper coaching I could see him becoming very quick as you said. I still see his future as a CB, especially LCB in a back three.
 
Yeah, I agree. He's a monster physically for his age. With proper coaching I could see him becoming very quick as you said. I still see his future as a CB, especially LCB in a back three.

I don't think he is skilled enough on the ball to be a really good LB or wingback - so yeah I agree with you - centre back
 
I don't think he is skilled enough on the ball to be a really good LB or wingback - so yeah I agree with you - centre back

I’ve seen him impress with his dribbling and close control in the younger age groups but in the U18s I haven’t been that impressed. Plenty of time to develop in that regard too.