One of Man Utd’s most exciting midfielders makes comeback for Travis Binnion’s side after two months out

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Manchester United’s academy has returned to action this weekend with the U21s the latest to play after a month-long hiatus.

Academy football takes a prolonged break over the Christmas period and this means only in the past few days has the football restarted for the youth teams.

Manchester United have had numerous games at various levels. On Friday night the U18s thrashed Preston 5-2 in the FA Youth Cup.

Chido Obi was the standout performer in this one, and on Saturday it was the U21’s turn to kick-off the second half of their season.

At Carrington against Aston Villa, Travis Binnion’s side walked out 2-1 victors – with one notable name on the teamsheet.

READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results

Sekou Kone returns as Manchester United win 2-1

The U21’s game last weekend was cancelled – so this was the first outing in a month and it saw Sam Mather score twice in the 2-1 win. Mather scored directly from a free-kick and his second was a penalty.

In the game, Binnion named three central midfielders with Dan Gore and Jack Moorhouse joined by the returning Sekou Kone.

This was Kone’s comeback, having been out since November 12th. Kone was injured 42 minutes into his first U21 start – with United not rushing him back as this season is all about helping him get to grips with England.

Kone lasted 79 minutes here before being replaced by Finley McAllister on Saturday as he played a big role in the win.

United are very excited about Kone, although he is raw, the Malian midfielder is seen as a future first-team player. Kone was impressive in the UEFA Youth League in one of his only performances to date.

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Ruben Amorim will be watching closely

With Kone viewed as a prospect with first-team potential, Ruben Amorim will surely be watching closely.

Amorim has already planned Kone’s debut, with next season being eyed up as the 18-year-old’s breakthrough season. Amorim is expected to give Kone pre-season to impress.

• READ: Who is Man Utd transfer target Sekou Kone? Age, nationality, position, stats and more

Kone cost United £1m last summer, arriving at the end of the window but this season has very much been considered one for him to settle.

Due to Kone being signed for the first-team, Amorim will surely be keeping an eye on his development and will likely be keeping tabs on how he fared during his comeback performance.

Kone has been in first-team training already this season and this could easily be repeated should Casemiro be set for departure.