Ruben Amorim is ready to incorporate SIXTEEN-year-old centre again Godwill Kukonki on the bench in his first squad as Man United head coach – with Red Devils in need of defensive cowl for Ipswich conflict

Ruben Amorim is set to include 16-year-old centre-back Godwill Kukonki on the bench in his first squad as Manchester United head coach. 

Amoim will take charge of the Red Devils for the first time on Sunday when his side visit Ipswich, with the Portuguese boss having replaced Erik ten Hag. 

United will be without defenders Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof for the the trip to Portman Road, with Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez also doubts. 

Teenage centre-back Kukonki will be named in the squad for the first time having impressed in training. 

The 6ft5 defender trained with the first team this week and will provide much needed  cover at the back. 

Kukonki, who is also able to play at left back has shone for Under-18 side and came off the bench for the under-21 side this season against Forest Green in the National League Cup. 

Ahead of facing Ipswich, Amorim spoke about the fitness of some players and the need to manage their workload.   

‘We have to see; we have one more training,’ Amorim told the club’s official site. 

‘But Luke [Shaw], for example, is feeling fine, but we have to build his fitness during games, so we have to be careful. 

‘I think he’s a very good player, so I will take care of him and I want these kinds of players that are important in our squad for a long period and not just for a game.

‘We have some guys returning from injury, so we had some moments together, working in that indoor pitch [on] tactical work.

‘We have to manage the load during this week with some players from national teams [as well], but we are ready to face Ipswich.’

United start the clash with Ipswich 12th in the Premier League table with just 15 points from their first 11 fixtures this season.

After taking on Ipswich, the Red Devils will host Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League four days later.