'He's ready' - Man United already have a ready made Ayden Heaven replacement that Ruben Amorim loves

Ayden Heaven's unfortunate injury has stalled the Manchester United starlet's career just as it was taking off.

The defender was forced off during the win over Leicester City and the 18-year-old and United are waiting to discover the extent of the problem.

The January arrival had adapted seamlessly to first team football in his four outings and his absence is a blow given United are already short in defence. Lisandro Martinez is sidelined for the season while Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Jonny Evans all missed the Foxes clash.

But just as those injuries presented Heaven with an opportunity, his absence could lead to the next United prospect being afforded a first team chance.

Godwill Kukonki has caught the eye of Ruben Amorim this term and the talented teenager could be the beneficiary if Heaven's absence is long-term.

Like the former Arsenal man, Kukonki is left-footed, an attribute valued by Amorim in his three-at-the-back set-up. He is only 17 but the Reds boss has been impressed with his ability and character.

Speaking in December, Amorim said: “He's 16, but he impressed me a lot, so it's also a sign to the youth players that they can be here.

"If something happened with the first team, they have to step up and I think he's ready, he's very adult to handle the Premier League's demands."

Amorim assessed several academy players during first team training in November and was impressed by Kukonki. He travelled to Ipswich Town as part of the first team squad for Amorim's first game in charge and was on the bench against Arsenal the following month.

He has remained in and around the first team set-up and United insiders believe his technical and physical qualities mean he is ready for senior football if required. Kukonki is yet to make his first team debut for United, but could be next in line.

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