Sekou Kone injured after 42 minutes into first ever Manchester United under-21 start, how he fared

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Manchester United youngster Sekou Kone lined up to make his first ever start at under-21 level.

It could have gone better.

A year ago Sekou Kone was starring for Mali at the under-17s World Cup. 12 months on he found himself at Huddersfield’s stadium, making his first ever start for Manchester United’s under-21 side.

United signed Kone on transfer deadline day, and have been gradually integrating him into the academy, with the under-21 squad.

This was the next step in his progression after a couple of substitute appearances, making his first ever start, in the EFL Trophy.

How Sekou Kone fared

Sekou Kone was unable to complete the first half after hobbling off on 42 minutes, with Manchester United 1-0 down.

Kone came off worse after a challenge, and while it just looked to be an uncomfortable impact injury, he was unable to continue the game. And in this kind of match, there is no need to take any risks either.

The young midfielder had been booked just minutes earlier, and injury aside, it was a good experience for him to get in the mix in a competitive game against a senior team.

Kone was solid enough, making 32 touches, completed 14 of 18 passes.

He won 4 of 6 duels contested, completing 2 of 2 dribbling attempts, also making three interceptions, and one tackle.

It’s also worth noting Kone was one of the youngest players on the pitch, he could still be playing for United’s under-18s side.

Another step forward

Sekou Kone is building up experience in English football, with a view to eventually making Manchester United’s first team.

He displayed some encouraging defensive traits during his 42 minutes, and acclimatising to the physicality of the game is part of what this is about.

It does not appear as though the injury was serious on first look. United’s under-21s are next in action next week against Altrincham, and then face West Ham on November 29.

United equalised shortly after Kone came off, with Victor Musa scoring an impressive equaliser.