Manchester United will play their first pre-season game in just over a week, but Sekou Kone is already close to surpassing last season’s milestone.
After a mixed loan in Switzerland last season with Ineos-owned Lausanne Sport, Man Utd needed to make a decision on Sekou Kone.
Opting for continuity, United opted to keep Kone at Lausanne Sport this season, while recalling another United youngster, Enzo Kana-Biyik.
Now, Kone is already close to surpassing last season’s milestone as he vindicates that decision.
Will Sekou Kone earn a Manchester United first-team chance while at Lausanne?
What would he have to do in order to guarantee his place next season?
Sekou Kone completes 120 minutes in two games
Kone spent six months in Switzerland last season, but to say that it wasn’t the best loan would be a huge understatement.
He was left out of their European competition squad, started just one game, played only five, and finished the season with just 134 minutes.
Man Utd fans were right to be puzzled when it emerged that the club had opted to continue that loan this season, leaving Kone at Lausanne.
However, that decision is looking like a genius move, with the Malian midfielder completing 120 minutes in the last two games for the Swiss side.
After playing 45 minutes in the 1-0 win against Etoile Carouge, Kone played 75 minutes against a much tougher opposition, Flamengo.
Lausanne lost 2-0, but Kone, by playing 120 minutes in two games, is already close to surpassing the minutes total of last season after just two pre-season games.
Clearly, he’s forcing his way into the first XI, and a season of consistent first-team football this campaign will do him a world of good.
Don’t write off Kone yet
People have entirely forgotten about Kone due to the philosophy of “out of sight, out of mind”, but talent doesn’t disappear overnight.
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Kone is the quintessential Christopher Vivell signing his Red Bull clubs used to succeed at, it’s just that the bar to play for Man Utd is much higher.
The only way to get there is by loans, and then taking a chance in the first team when it arises.
Kone has the chance to do the former this season, having the benefit of continuity and stability with a six-month head start in Switzerland.
Anything can happen next year at Old Trafford for Kone if he flies on loan this year. Still just 20, it’s not the time to write off Kone.
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