Man Utd name 18-man squad for UEFA Youth League, Chido Obi-Martin included as Godwill Kukonki decision made

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Chido Obi-Martin is in line to make his Manchester United bow in the UEFA Youth League.

After thrashing Lithuanian side FK Zalgiris, Manchester United’s academy talents continue in UEFA’s under-19s competition, now facing AZ Alkmaar over two legs.

The first leg takes place in the Netherlands on November 26 (today), scheduled for a 4pm kick-off. The game will not be screened on MUTV. The second leg will take place at Old Trafford on December 10.

Manchester United name squad

Manchester United have named a 18-man traveling squad for the fixture, packed with talent, especially in forward areas.

Ethan Wheatley, Gabriele Biancheri and Chido Obi-Martin are all included, giving the coaches a real selection headache in attack.

• Cameron Byrne-Hughes, Fred Heath, Will Murdock.
• Harry Amass, Daniel Armer, Jaydan Kamason, Louis Jackson, Reece Munro, Habeeb Ogunneye.
• Zach Baumann, Jacob Devaney, Jayce Fitzgerald, Jack Fletcher, Amir Ibragimov.
• Gabriele Biancheri, Bendito Mantato, Ashton Missin, Chido Obi-Martin, James Scanlon, Ethan Wheatley, Ethan Williams.

Obi-Martin did not play in the previous rounds, although he did feature for United’s under-21 side in the Premier League International Cup in a recent draw with PSV.

Last season he did play in three matches for Arsenal’s under-19s side, making his debut at just 15, totalling 103 minutes – although did not actually score. The usually prolific striker will be looking to put that right.

It is actually more likely Biancheri or Wheatley may start, with Obi-Martin starting this one from the bench.

Obi-Martin currently has five goals in five games for United’s under-18s, plus one assist.

United goalscorers vs FK Zalgiris

United racked up 11 goals over the two legs against FK Zalgiris, so here is a quick look at how the goalscoring broke down.

• Biancheri (3), Williams (3)
• Scanlon (2)
• Fredricson
• Wheatley
• Missin

Eight different United players registered assists over the two legs, including Harry Amass, with the left-back included in the squad once again.

Godwill Kukonki misses out

One notable absence from the squad this time around is Godwill Kukonki, who provided an assist in the first leg.

The 16-year-old centre-back was part of Manchester United’s traveling squad for the Ipswich Town game, although he was not on the bench.

Kukonki evidently impressed Ruben Amorim during Manchester United training last week, and he may be being kept around the first team squad.

It is a potential hint he is under considerable for the Europa League game against Bodo/Glimt this week.

United are light on centre-backs with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof all out.

Amorim handed 27 debuts to academy players at Sporting, and if he is convinced by a player’s suitability for his requirements, he will not be afraid to put them in.