Ruben Amorim makes Sekou Kone promise after impressive Man United display vs ASEAN All-Stars

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Sekou Kone caught the eye with his performance in Manchester United’s loss to ASEAN All-Stars.

Manchester United’s 2025 post-season tour of Asia started with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday evening.

Ruben Amorim brought a 32-man travelling squad on the tour, and the first of two friendlies gave the Portuguese head coach time to assess some of United’s brightest young talent in action.

United fans raved about Sekou Kone after he came off the bench for a short cameo in the first half of the clash.

Kone followed Amorim’s instructions perfectly and earned rave reviews for his performance in Malaysia. Now the 19-year-old is set to be rewarded.

Ruben Amorim comments on Sekou Kone’s impressive performance

The misery of the 2024/25 campaign continued into the post-season tour, with United looking void of ideas and toothless in Malaysia.

When asked about the positives from the match, Amorim pointed out that several young players impressed in what for many of them was their first senior minutes.

More specifically, Amorim was asked about Kone’s performance and the United boss promised there are more minutes to come for the Ineos signing.

Amorim said: “He [Kone] will play more in the next match. He did well. All the youngsters tried, and that’s the most important thing.”

Sekou Kone could force Ineos U-turn this summer

After settling down at Carrington and adapting to life in Manchester, reports suggest Ineos want to loan Kone to sister club Lausanne this summer.

The 19-year-old is expected to spend the 2025/26 season on loan in Switzerland to gather more experience before returning to Manchester.

• What Man United have planned for Sekou Kone and Paul Pogba-esque academy star next season

However, his performance in Malaysia suggests Kone could be ready for the step up to the first team sooner than most thought.

READ MORE: Unseen Man United wonderkid signed by Ineos can make Kobbie Mainoo-esque breakthrough during 2025 tour

United’s next friendly takes place in Hong Kong on Friday afternoon and Amorim has confirmed that Kone will once again get an opportunity to impress.

If he is able to replicate his impressive performance again, then Ineos could be forced to go back on their loan decision and keep Kone at Old Trafford next season.