Shoretire's African record threatened: Man Utd coach plans to include 16yo Congolese in squad v Arsenal

An African record held by Nigerian attacking midfielder Shola Shoretire is under threat, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Shoretire, who is now at Greek side PAOK, etched his name into African football folklore on February 21, 2021 when he became the youngest player of African descent to debut for Manchester United in the English Premier League.

The United academy graduate was 17 years and 19 days old when he came off the bench to replace Marcus Rashford in the 88th minute of a 3-1 win against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim will include English-born Congolese central defender, Godwill Kukonki in his matchday squad for the blockbuster Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. 

Aged 16 years and 302 days today, Kukonki traveled with the first team of the Red Devils for the Premier League meeting with Ipswich Town at Portman Road, but the left-footed center back was not named in the gameday squad. 

If the Congolese makes his first-team debut against the Gunners tonight, he will become the youngest player eligible to represent an African nation to feature for Manchester United in the Premier League, surpassing Shola Shoretire.

Angel Gomes, who made his Premier League debut at 16 years and 263 days, was Manchester United's youngest African debutant, but he became cap-tied to England in September 2024.

Gomes could have represented Angola through his father before making his competitive debut for the Three Lions in a UEFA Nations League tie against Republic of Ireland. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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