[3-4-3]: 16-year-old starts in a crucial position- Man United’s lineups against Arsenal as Ruben Amorim names 16-year-old in starting XI
Manchester United’s defensive injury crisis has offered an opportunity for a young starlet to make a very early first-team debut.
United face Arsenal tonight without Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. Lisandro Martinez is suspended.
The limited options at centre back mean that Noussair Mazraoui is likely to continue in that role, leaving only Diogo Dalot available as a defence-minded wing back in the senior squad.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has been playing with the likes of Amad and Antony in the right wing back role, but they are converted wingers who were playing against inferior opposition such as Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton.
Arsenal away is a different matter.
It is probably for this reason that Amorim has included the insanely talented Godwill Kukonki in his matchday squad.
The youngster also travelled to Portman Road but was not in the final squad, but according to The MEN, “Kukonki will be named in the United squad for the first time against Arsenal, which will represent a huge milestone in his career.
Kukonki is unlikely to start tonight’s match despite the lack of options, but could get minutes in what would be an incredible rise to stardom.
Another left back, Harry Amass, was rumoured to also be in with a chance of playing when he was withdrawn from the Under 21s’ match last night. But the outlet states that “sources have confirmed Amass didn’t play for the U21s due to a dead leg and confirmed he isn’t in the first-team squad.”
United’s match at the Emirates kicks off at 8.15pm this evening.
