Who is Godwill Kukonki? Meet the Manchester United youngster ready for first-team training at 16

Godwill Kukonki made his first appearance for Manchester United's Under-21s on Wednesday.

You rarely see 16-year-olds playing for the U21s, but Kukonki has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season playing for the Under-18s and was given the opportunity to step up.

Kukonki was substituted on for Dan Gore in the final 10 minutes against Forest Green Rovers as United got their inaugural National League Cup campaign off to a winning start.

The defender has the technical and physical qualities needed for senior football, despite being just 16, and is seen as someone who should be involved with first-team training this season, as youngsters who are making progress are drafted in when extra numbers are needed.

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There have been early comparisons made between the exciting Kukonki and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol and he is a unique option because he is a left-footed defender.

Left-footed centre-backs are worth their weight in gold in modern football and United submitted multiple bids to Everton in the summer in an attempt to sign Jarrad Branthwaite.

Kukonki is naturally a left-footed centre-back, but he's also comfortable at left-back and he's played in both positions for the U18s, who he has started every game for this season.

The Stoke-on-Trent-born defender recorded an assist with a cross into the box against Liverpool in August and scored for the U18s in their recent emphatic 9-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Kukonki already stands at a towering 6ft 5ins and his physicality should help him as he pushes toward the first team, which is his ultimate aim after making progress through the youth ranks.

After making an excellent start to the new campaign, Kukonki has generated a buzz among fans and has been tipped by academy followers to one day make a senior debut.

The U18s have won all five of their league games this term and Kukonki is playing a key role in their title defence.

Date of birth: February 8, 2008

Position: Centre-back and left-back

Nationality: English

Career history: Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Kukonki has become a regular starter for the U18s this season.