Manchester United could see several of their Academy talents promoted next season if the club qualify for the Champions League under Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick’s task between now and the end of the season is guiding Manchester United back to Champions League football.
Since Rúben Amorim’s sacking, the first-team side have collected 13 of a possible 15 points and sit fourth in the Premier League table, firmly in the controlling seat for a spot in Europe’s elite competition next season.
While United’s squad has just about enough first-team players to manage the one-game-a-week schedule for the remainder of the campaign, many have pointed out that multiple reinforcements will be needed if the squad is to return to Europe.
While the club are looking to add midfielders, a new left-winger, and possible defenders to the squad in the summer transfer window, some of these reinforcements could come from the Academy.
Kukonki becoming too good for his level
Godwill Kukonki was one of the young defenders Amorim took a keen eye on during the early months of his time at the club, and the 18-year-old centre-back has been going from strength to strength under Darren Fletcher with the U18s.
His monster display in a 3-0 win over Manchester City on the weekend was yet another example of the 6′ 5″ star’s brilliant capabilities, with keen Academy followers feeling he is simply becoming too good for his current level.
With European football a distinct possibility at Old Trafford next campaign, the side will need to have a number of defensive options to manage possible injuries and suspensions, and Kukonki could be in contention for first-team integration.
It’s likely that the English starlet will be part of the club’s pre-season tour next summer, particularly if some defenders are to head to the World Cup, and he could have a great chance at showing United coaches why he should be upgraded to the first team.
Kukonki would benefit from Maguire contract extension
With Harry Maguire’s current United deal set to expire at the end of the season, reports have suggested that those within the squad feel it would be ‘madness’ if the senior defender was not offered some form of extension.
Not only is Maguire still a good centre-back in his own right, but he’s also becoming a brilliant mentor for young players blooming through to the first team. He is often spotted talking with the likes of Ayden Heaven and Shea Lacey, and could fill a similar role with Kukonki next season.
Both of them are powerful, strong, and brick-wall defenders who are good with their feet, so the parallels that already exist would make Maguire a perfect mentor for Kukonki.
With Jonny Evans having departed the squad last summer and now forming part of the coaching staff, United are in need of experienced heads to help maintain perspective in the dressing room, and Maguire would be the perfect player to fill this role.
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