Mali youth coach comments on Sekou Kone as Man Utd wonderkid makes return to action after three months

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Manchester United prospect Sekou Kone took an important step forward in his recovery.

Sekou Kone’s season was derailed when he suffered a fractured eye socket in a Manchester United under-21 fixture in August.

United have sensibly taken his recovery slowly, with the 19-year-old expected to make his return at club level after the international break.

Sekou Kone was cleared to go on international duty with Mali, joining up with their under-23 squad for a friendly.

Kone originally impressed United with his performances for Mali at the under-17s World Cup, with the Red Devils seeing off competition from Barcelona for his signature.

Sekou Kone returns

Sekou Kone’s Mali took on Indonesia in Jakarta in a game that was actually billed as an under-22 game.

Sekou Kone started the game on the bench and came on in the 61st minute to play the final half an hour of the fixture.

These were Kone’s first minutes at any level since suffering a serious injury against Tamworth, where he was stretchered off the pitch.

Kone came on with Mali leading the game 2-0, and they went on to win 3-0, scoring the third in stoppage time.

There was applause when Kone came onto the pitch, which his coach acknowledged after the game

Speaking after the game, Mali coach Fousseni Diawara was quoted via regional outlet Baonghean how he was pleased to play a part in Kone’s development.

Diawara said: “Regarding Sekou Kone, who plays for Manchester United, he is a promising player with many good qualities. Like other players in the team, he has many opportunities to develop.

“He is playing for a big club that is very popular in Indonesia, Man Utd.”

Kone shared an image of his appearance on his Instagram page, with the caption: “Always proud to defend this colour.”

Aside from the ill-fated under-21 game against Tamworth, this was Kone’s first appearance since United’s postseason tour, where he played against the ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia.

Kone travelled on pre-season with United, but did not make an appearance.

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Sekou Kone lined up for return

Sekou Kone played under-21 football for Manchester United last season, settling into life in England since his move from Malian club Guidars FC.

Kone is expected to make his return to action at club level shortly.

Under-21 boss Travis Binnion said earlier this month: “After the international break, we think he will be ready to play, which will be good.”

Manchester United want to get Sekou Kone’s progress back on track, and this could mean a loan move in the January transfer window, so he can play some first team football.

Kone must spend the next few weeks sharpening up his match fitness, to put himself in the best possible position to succeed on loan.

Getting his first minutes in since his injury, with Mali, is a positive step in the right direction.