Manchester United’s defensive injury crisis has offered an opportunity for a young starlet to make a very early first-team debut.
United face Arsenal tonight without Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. Lisandro Martinez is suspended.
The limited options at centre back mean that Noussair Mazraoui is likely to continue in that role, leaving only Diogo Dalot available as a defence-minded wing back in the senior squad.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has been playing with the likes of Amad and Antony in the right wing back role, but they are converted wingers who were playing against inferior opposition such as Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton.
Arsenal away is a different matter.
It is probably for this reason that Amorim has included the insanely talented Godwill Kukonki in his matchday squad.
The youngster also travelled to Portman Road but was not in the final squad, but according to The MEN, “Kukonki will be named in the United squad for the first time against Arsenal, which will represent a huge milestone in his career.
“Kukonki was involved in Amorim’s first training session at Carrington and he’s understood to have impressed United’s new head coach, who has promoted him to first-team sessions.”
The Stoke-born defender stands at 6ft 5in and is left footed, which will be something that appeals to Amorim, who is short of options on that side of the field.
He is capable of playing at both left back and centre back, which is another asset in his favour.
Kukonki is unlikely to start tonight’s match despite the lack of options, but could get minutes in what would be an incredible rise to stardom.
Another left back, Harry Amass, was rumoured to also be in with a chance of playing when he was withdrawn from the Under 21s’ match last night. But the outlet states that “sources have confirmed Amass didn’t play for the U21s due to a dead leg and confirmed he isn’t in the first-team squad.”
United’s match at the Emirates kicks off at 8.15pm this evening.
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
