Manchester United succumbed to their first defeat under Ruben Amorim, losing 0-2 to Arsenal away at the Emirates Stadium in London on Wednesday.
The visitors were content to try and control the tempo rather than going on the attack against a Gunners side who rarely threatened from open play.
It was their set-piece mastery that ultimately proved to be the difference, something the Red Devils should have been more careful about as they conceded corners galore.
Owing to the suspension of Lisandro Martinez and the injury to Luke Shaw, Amorim had to reshuffle at the back with Noussair Mazraoui starting as the left-sided centre-back.
Kukonki has impressed Amorim
The Portuguese needs a powerful presence in that position moving forwards with the backline lacking physicality and height at times.
Academy sensation Godwill Kukonki has certainly caught the boss’ eye, regularly taking part in first team training sessions since the former Sporting Lisbon manager came to the club.
💬 “He is ready to cope with the demands of the Premier League.”
A vote of confidence for Godwill Kukonki from the boss 👊#MUFC || #ARSMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2024
The 16-year-old travelled to Portman Road with the team but was not named in the matchday squad. He was on the bench against the North London giants on Wednesday.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of the game, Amorim was full of praise for Kukonki and he even claimed that the towering 6ft 5ins defender is ready for the demands of the Premier League.
Debut this season?
“Yeah, of course (I’m impressed). He’s 16 years old but he impressed me a lot, so it’s also a sign to the youth players that they can be here.
“If something happened with the first-team squad, they have to step up, and I think he’s ready – he’s very adult – to handle the demands of the Premier League.”
Kukonki is left-footed, a profile that is being desperately sought by the club as seen from their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite last summer.
He has played at both left-back and centre-back for the United U18s and is technically sound, and he is in line to become the first academy star to receive his first team debut under the new head coach.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
