Manchester United’s U18 side is packed with talent that could soon be gracing the first-team ranks under Michael Carrick.
The Premier League Cup final saw Manchester United defeated by Crystal Palace on penalties, a hard loss to take considering the strong performance Darren Fletcher’s side put in.
During the defeat, several United talents had impressive outings, with the top prospects in the group furthering their claims for a first-team step up.
Jim Thwaites was immense after being included in the first-team squad against Chelsea. But there was a partnership on show that Michael Carrick could use to solve one summer transfer demand.
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Noah Ajayi and Godwill Kukonki can be Manchester United’s new left side depth
Heading into this summer, aside from midfield, United are also planning to add a left-back and left-winger to the squad.
However, United’s midfield plans could take up over £200m alone, and so Ineos will be turning to the academy where possible, and at left-back and left-wing, there are options.
Godwill Kukonki and Noah Ajayi are the two names who are currently standing out for these positions, with the duo developing a brilliant partnership this season.
Both are standouts and physically dominant, which will aid their rise into the first team. They have formed a strong partnership down the left, with opponents struggling to defend it.
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Noah Ajayi should be promoted instead of a new left-wing signing
The left-wing signing options for Manchester United this summer are completely underwhelming, with spending massive money on any rumoured target not favourable.
Instead, Ajayi should be trusted with his dribbling, finishing and ball striking, all factors in his lightning rise over the past few months.
Ajayi has been stealing the show for the U18s, with his performances raising his profile right up alongside JJ Gabriel as a talent worth fast-tracking.
Unfortunately, Ajayi was withdrawn through injury in the Premier League Cup final. But if he isn’t out for long, United need to push him into the first team at the end of this season; he could prove that signing a winger is not needed.
Godwill Kukonki could be Luke Shaw’s reinforcement
If Ajayi is a left-wing solution, Kukonki is a left-back fix for Carrick this summer.
Luke Shaw is currently good enough to be starting, but United need depth behind him, and Kukonki could offer that.
Despite his size, Kukonki has excelled as a left-back, offering a really unique profile which makes him arguably better on the left than at centre-back.
Kukonki is the size needed to play professional football and has recently started looking more composed on the ball, with his dribbling among his standout qualities.
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