RUBEN AMORIM has promoted a 6ft 5in wonderkid into Manchester United’s first-team training.
The new Red Devils manager coached his first training session at the club since replacing Erik ten Hag.
Amorim, 39, is preparing his team for his first game in charge which will come on Sunday away at Ipswich Town.
However, he only had ten first-team players available to him due to international obligations.
Kobbie Mainoo is continuing to build up his fitness, while Amad Diallo also took part, having missed Ivory Coast’s defeat to Zambia on Friday.
Defenders Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro also took part in the session as they look to step up their fitness levels.
This meant that the boss called upon the academy to flesh out the session.
Godwill Kukonki, 16, was one player who was given an opportunity by the Portuguese coach.
The defender is highly rated at the club, having impressed with the under-18s this season.
It is believed that he has the “technical and physical qualities” needed to star in senior football.
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Kukonki has been compared to Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol due to his ability with his left foot.
Other first-team stars who were involved were Casemiro, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford.
Rashford made the most of the international break with a trip to New York to watch some NBA action.
Tyrell Malacia was also on the grass as he continued to build his fitness.
The defender has not featured for the club since the final game of the 2022/23 season.
Manchester United have confirmed that Amorim will get his first chance to see the full squad later this week.
This will be when they all return from international duty.
However, there will be doubts over Victor Lindelof as he picked up injuries for Sweden.
RUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.
But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.
Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:
VIKTOR GYOKERES
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Cost: £84million
Swede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.
Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.
GONCALO INACIO
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Cost: £50million
Ball-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.
Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.
MORTEN HJULMAND
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Cost: £40million
Dane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.
He could be the man to replace Casemiro.
