Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Ruben Amorim has promoted one “top talent” for Manchester United’s clash against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United resumed their Premier League campaign on a sour note earlier this week, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
With a crucial derby against Manchester City on the horizon this Sunday, Ruben Amorim and his squad have little time to regroup.
The loss highlighted United’s ongoing issues in attack, and Amorim may be considering tactical changes to bolster his side ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Amorim will also include several youth talents, as he has done in recent weeks, and one of those youngsters have been confirmed.
Romano confirms Kukonki in United squad vs City
Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday morning that Godwill Kukonki will be on the bench for the Sunday afternoon game, with the 17-year-old considered as a “top talent” by Amorim.
“Man United’s 17 year old talent Godwill Kukonki will make the bench for today’s Derby against Manchester City. He’s considered as top talent by the club and Rúben Amorim,” the Italian journalist wrote.
Kukonki has been involved in several matchday squads beforehand and received praise from Amorim before playing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
“Yeah, of course,” Amorim said when asked whether he was impressed with Kukonki back in December. “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.”
It has been reported recently that the club are also planning to offer Kukonki his first professional contract in the coming weeks.
Mantato could also be involved vs City
Meanwhile, Amorim could also be set to include 17-year-old talent Bendito Mantato for the derby game as well after he was not included in the Under-18s squad vs Leeds on Saturday afternoon.
Mantato is another player who has impressed Amorim behind the scenes and it has been reported that the United boss plans to give him a first-team debut before the end of the season.
It is likely that the teenager could be used as a wingback in Amorim’s system – he has played both at fullback and on the wing for the youth sides.
Spotted in training last week, Mantato could take an extra step towards his first-team debut with an inclusion in the Manchester Derby squad.
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