Converts endogenous N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), a major component of complex carbohydrates, from lysosomal degradation or nutritional sources into GlcNAc 6-phosphate. Involved in the N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) degradation pathway. Also has ManNAc kinase activity (By similarity). ATP + N-acetyl-D-glucosamine = ADP + H(+) + N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 6-phosphate Amino-sugar metabolism; N-acetylneuraminate degradation. Homodimer. Belongs to the eukaryotic-type N-acetylglucosamine kinase family.