Godwill Kukonki was immense for Manchester United on Saturday in the U18 derby win, surely catching Michael Carrick’s eye in the process.
As Manchester United’s U18 side beat City 3-1, the defender was undeniably one of the best players on the pitch for Darren Fletcher.
Despite only being 18, Godwill Kukonki is a level above his peers, with a performance from left-back that showcases how well-rounded he is.
Michael Carrick attended the City Academy ground on Saturday, paying special attention to the U16s, but spoke with Darren Fletcher after the game, during which Kukonki was surely raised after his masterclass.
Godwill Kukonki must now be seriously considered by Michael Carrick
Kukonki is 6ft 5in, yet United have been utilising him at left-back for close to a year now, which has had huge benefits on his technical ability, which has made him a way better player.
Kukonki was top class against City, a side that usually presses really well from the front, but they couldn’t get close to the 6ft 5in England youth international.
On a number of occasions, Kukonki took the ball from deep and bulldozed through the City press with neat touches and powerful running, which his opponents couldn’t handle.
MUTV commentator Liam Bradford remarked that Kukonki was “causing real problems” for City, as they didn’t have an answer for him.
Not only was Kukonki unstoppable, but he demonstrated his ball-playing ability with a wonderful assist for Chido Obi against City, which was a 50-yarder, yet another arrow in his quiver. His fourth assist of the season.
Long-term, Kukonki is likely to be a centre-back, with his size suited to that role better, but he also presents a really interesting option for Carrick or whoever United appoint as the next manager.
United thought Kukonki would break records for the club, and that day may be getting closer.
Kukonki could provide depth for Manchester United and Luke Shaw right now
While long-term Kukonki will be a dominant centre-back, Carrick could see him as a strong contender to help Luke Shaw this season, with Patrick Dorgu’s injury exposing a lack of depth in the position.
Kukonki is good enough on the ball, and his physicality should translate to professional football, considering he will still be the biggest player on the pitch.
United have needed more going forward from Shaw, and Kukonki would bring this with his surging runs, which would create a lot of space in the left pocket for Matheus Cunha to exploit.
Kukonki may even find a permanent home there, as Josko Gvardiol did for Man City, with the two players sharing traits and being similar players.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/H1woTxN