Luke Shaw has stayed injury-free this season (knock, knock) and is delivering as he should. However, it is undeniable that the left-back has caused a lot of headaches for the United management and coaches who have come and gone. Several candidates are on the list as Shaw’s replacement and long-term solution at left-back, but Man Utd hardly need to go far. With a little patience, the club can field one of England’s biggest talents in the position.
Manchester United’s U21 team faced Real Madrid on Tuesday night at Old Trafford, and once again, Godwill Kukonki’s performance was remarkable. It was the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup that brought Real Madrid Castilla to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
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We let United in Focus draw the analysis of United’s next big left-back
“Manchester United eventually lost 4-2 to Madrid, although their first-half performance was particularly impressive, with Adam Lawrence’s team leading 2-0 at one point. There were a handful of outstanding players for United, with Shea Lacey and Jack Moorhouse impressing, but so did Godwill Kukonki.”
“This season, Kukonki has taken the steps at the academy and has shone as a left-back for most of the season (also playing centre-back). It was at left-back that he started against Madrid, and it was another brilliant performance worth being excited about.”
“Kukonki was physically dominant against the Spaniards, doing so well when he carried the ball down the left, keeping defenders away and facing challenges with ease. The 193 cm tall defender went past two or three defenders with these runs, and Madrid’s defenders were hopeless in their attempts to stop him. This ability to run through defenders, the progress play, and the athleticism to get up and down the field are qualities that are already superior to Luke Shaw.”
“What makes Kukonki even more raw for United is his shocking technical ability for a player of his size, making him a nightmare for opponents. Kukonki’s ball-handling, composure and ball play are all top-notch, and the fact that he demonstrates these qualities against opponents at such a high level proves that this should be his last year at the academy.”
“Despite being considered a long-term centre-back, Kukonki right now makes himself undeniable as a left-back, considering he is such a rare profile on the left. United only put Kukonki at left-back to help his ball development, but they have accidentally uncovered a truly special player in this position. One thing that is certain now that this season is coming to an end, is that Kukonki is ready for senior football, and next season, somehow, he should play it.”
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“This could come for United. With the need for left-back depth, Kukonki could get the chance to impress during pre-season, but if Michael Carrick or any other manager doesn’t see him playing for United next season in the cups as a rotation player, Kukonki will need a very well-chosen loan. Kukonki can play League One or maybe even Championship football next season comfortably, as he has the physical attributes to take that step.”
Things are growing well at Manchester United these days.
