Ruben Amorim calls 16 y/o defender up for first Manchester United training session

Ruben Amorim has been getting used to his new surroundings at Manchester United over the past week.

On Monday morning, the Portuguese coach oversaw his first training session, having received his work permit.

A lot of the squad are away on international duty, but Bruno Fernandes will return early after being ruled out of Portugal’s clash with Croatia through suspension.

Amorim took the opportunity to look at younger talents in the absence of some senior players, which will help him evaluate the entire squad.

According to the Manchester Evening News, 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki was given a chance to impress the new head coach after being called up to train with the first team.

It is the first time the 6ft 5in defender has joined first-team training. He has impressed in a strong U18s side this season but it’s still too early to say whether a debut is on the cards.

Ruben Amorim’s fledglings

Amorim also had young players like Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo with the group. Both youngsters have been recovering from injury, with the former yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

Reports suggest Amorim is excited to work with the young talent he now has at his disposal, with Yoro being described as a generational talent.

It remains to be seen if Yoro or Mainoo will be able to prove their fitness before Amorim’s first game in charge, which takes place on Sunday away at Ipswich.

Many believe Mainoo will play a significant role under Amorim, who is likely to opt for a midfield pivot with emphasis put on wing backs.

Mainoo has two and a half years left on his current deal and talks are ongoing over a contract extension. It’s important that United keep their best young players if they intend to develop a hungry team in search of long-term success.

Amorim will have plenty of youngsters to develop in the coming years at United.