Amorim promotes 16-year-old Man Utd wonderkid for first training

Tom Weber

• Updated: 18 Nov 2024 11:23 CST
• 3 min read

Ruben Amorim promoted 16-year-old Manchester United defender Godwill Kukonki for his first training session at the club.

The Portuguese tactician finally took charge of Red Devils training for the very first time on Monday after work permit issues had prevented him from beginning his work on the initial November 11 start date.

Amorim had all but one of his staff members available after their visa issues were also ironed out. However, as the international break is still in full swing, not all of Man Utd's players were present at training.

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To make up the numbers, Amorim promoted 16-year-old prospect Godwill Kukonki to first-team training to give him his first taste of senior football. A left-footed U18 centre-back, Kukonki is a highly-regarded youngster at Carrington and viewed as one of the most likely candidates to successfully make the jump into top-level football.

As part of INEOS' new strategy, which will include a reduced transfer budget, Amorim will be required to bet heavily on youth and Man Utd's excellent academy is seemingly already yielding returns.

Mainoo also spotted in training

In addition to Kukonki, Kobbie Mainoo was also a notable inclusion in training, providing Man Utd with a huge boost. The midfielder has struggled for fitness this season and has to date only made nine appearances for the Red Devils.

The England international last featured in early October in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa and hasn't been seen on the pitch since. It is not yet entirely clear whether Mainoo will be fit enough to play against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

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When fit, the 19-year-old has been virtually ever-present for Man Utd since his debut under Erik ten Hag against Everton almost exactly a year ago.

Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy managed to get the best out of a Casemiro-Manuel Ugarte midfield partnership during his four games in charge but Mainoo is expected to eventually replace one of the two once he gets back to 100 per cent.