Manchester United are at a crucial point in Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
After a disappointing campaign that saw them finish 15th following Amorim’s arrival in November, change is clearly needed.
However, progress in the transfer market has been slow, with Matheus Cunha the only confirmed signing so far.
While more additions are expected, United may need to turn to their academy for squad depth next season.
Carrington remains at the heart of the club’s identity and will always be essential for any United manager to lean on.
Under INEOS, there has been a renewed focus on the academy, particularly on youth recruitment.
They’ve strengthened their youth ranks and tied down several top prospects to long-term professional deals.
The latest is centre-back Godwill Kukonki, who is expected to sign his first professional contract with Manchester United in the coming weeks.
But who is Kukonki – and where could he fit into Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford?
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Background
Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Kukonki joined the club at just five years old and has risen through the ranks at Carrington.
The 17-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024/25, making 24 appearances across the U18 and U21 side.
His versatility has seen him deployed both at centre-back and left-back, though he is primarily viewed as a central defender.
Kukonki’s progress didn’t go unnoticed.
He was first named in a senior squad for United’s Premier League clash with Arsenal in December and was later included in both legs of their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.
After impressing Amorim in training, the United boss praised his maturity for a player of his age.
Most recently, he featured in United’s post-season tour of Asia, coming off the bench against ASEAN All-Stars and Hong Kong XI – underlining his growing status at the club.
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Player Profile
Ruben Amorim is firmly committed to his 3-4-3 system and has shown no intention of altering it.
As a result, the need for high-quality centre-backs – particularly wide centre-backs – is clear.
Kukonki, who is left-footed and comfortable in wide areas, would likely feature as the left-sided centre-back if he were to break into Amorim’s first team.
In Amorim’s system, wide centre-backs play a crucial role.
In possession, they are expected to step forward, link play with wing-backs, and help form triangles down the flanks.
They must be calm under pressure and capable of progressing the ball.
Out of possession, they are just as important – required to defend the wide channels, step into midfield to press aggressively, and maintain the fundamentals of defending: reading the game, winning duels, and protecting the box.
While Kukonki remains a little raw, he already possesses many of these traits.
Physically, he is outstanding for his age – quick at top speed, dominant in duels, and able to shrug off attackers.
His mobility can occasionally look stiff, but with targeted strength and agility work, this is an area that can be improved.
On the ball, Kukonki shines.
He’s composed in possession, capable of breaking lines, and rarely flustered under pressure.
Amorim is clearly a fan of his attitude and ability.
If Kukonki can fine-tune his mobility and stay switched on defensively at the highest level, he has the raw tools to become a perfect fit on the left side of Amorim’s back three.
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Pathway
Ruben Amorim is clearly a strong admirer of Godwill Kukonki, having included him in multiple senior match-day squads and giving him minutes during the club’s post-season tour.
The message is clear: Kukonki is viewed as a potential first-team player.
However, breaking through won’t be straightforward.
Competition for the left-sided centre-back role is fierce – most notably from Ayden Heaven.
Heaven joined from Arsenal in January and has already made several senior appearances in that position.
Despite that, Amorim’s faith in Kukonki suggests he will be given opportunities, particularly in domestic cup competitions.
But for consistent minutes at a senior level, a loan move could be the most beneficial step in his development.
Gaining experience in a first-team environment would allow Godwill Kukonki to round out his game and return better equipped to challenge for a long-term spot under Amorim.
