Manchester United midfield prospect Sekou Kone is beginning to make progress for the academy sides.
For years Manchester United fans have been waiting for the club to explore the hidden gem side of the transfer market, instead of overpaying for players.
Ineos provided some hope this could be the case, with a swoop for unheard-of wonderkid Sekou Kone, from a side in Mali.
Kone was part of the Mali under-17 World Cup squad which finished in third place, and is viewed as having high potential.
Sekou Kone with United academy
Manchester United are working hard to integrate Sekou Kone since his arrival, placing him with the academy sides.
Kone made his debut for Manchester United’s under-21s as a second half substitute against Sunderland on November 2, and he has now made another appearance.
United included Kone in the squad for the UEFA Youth League fixture against FK Zalgiris, a 6-0 second leg win, 11-2 on aggregate.
Kone came on at half-time to play 45 minutes, and he was pleased to get more game time in.
The young midfielder wrote a simple message on Instagram after the win, writing, “Downloading”.
The message was intended to imply that United are preparing him for his eventual integration into the first team.
Kone’s United teammates sent messages of encouragement to the young midfielder, with fire emojis, expressing their admiration for him.
Manchester United won’t rush Sekou Kone
Manchester United think highly of Sekou Kone, yet won’t rush him. This has become clear by the treatment of him so far.
United will stick to the current plan, and keep on giving Kone minutes gradually between now and the end of 2024.
The next step is for Kone to start his first game, and then get a run of matches to try and establish himself and become a standout.
If he can make desired progress, then Kone will be rewarded with first team call-up – but only when he checks all the boxes.
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