Manchester United’s U19s were in impressive form on Wednesday in the UEFA Youth League against Zalgiris.
Adam Lawrence masterminded yet another win on Wednesday night, and another convincing one at that – with the Manchester United academy side thrashing Zalgiris 6-0 in the UEFA Youth League.
It was the second leg of the recent 5-2 win over the same side and by winning Manchester United has earned a third and final round tie against AZ Alkmaar.
The game saw Gabriele Biancheri score number 17 for the campaign, while both Ethan Wheatley and Ethan Williams also were among the goals with James Scanlon grabbing his 15th goal contribution of the season.
Ashton Missin got himself a goal and an assist in the game, but most excitingly of all was the chance to see summer transfer window addition Sekou Kone in action once again for United.
Sekou Kone gives a glimpse of his ability vs Zalgiris
Despite joining the club on deadline day, Kone’s first appearance for United only game in the past week against Sunderland in the Premier League 2.
In this debut, Kone was lauded by Travis Binnion for being ‘really bright’ despite United coming out on the losing side against Sunderland.
Against Zalgiris on Wednesday in the UEFA Youth League, he was given a second chance to get on the pitch and show his quality for United.
Kone was brought on at half-time, replacing Jayce Fitzgerald and in the second half, he ran the show in defensive midfield as demonstrated in journalist Nathan Salt’s highlight reel.
In this video, Kone demonstrated an incredible resistance to opposition pressing, strong tackling, awareness and also passing. In the last clip, his physical prowess also shone through as he left one Zalgiris player on the ground.
This is the first real display of Kone’s we have gotten to take in – albeit at a glimpse – and already we are convinced he will be an exciting prospect for United.
Jason Wilcox has a history of signing excellent youngsters and it looks like Kone will continue that impressive record. Wilcox is also often at Carrington watching the academy players in action and we imagine he will have had an eye on last night at the Leigh Sports Village – so he could quickly be recommending one thing to Ruben Amorim.
Sekou Kone has a big future at Manchester United
While it is very early days for Kone and it is important to remember his age and rawness as a footballer – early signs are that Kone could be a truly special midfield talent.
The midfield department at Old Trafford still needs something of an overhaul, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both ageing – therefore it could be that Amorim turns to the academy.
In the event of this happening, Ineos have already built a new spine for Manchester United, with Kone at the centre of this.
Amorim has several demands from a midfielder, and of these demands, Kone ticks multiple boxes – it would be no shock if he is promoted in the next six months to a year.
But for now, it is great to see him getting minutes and developing for United.
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