Manchester United continue this season’s Europa League campaign on Thursday against Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho.
After drawing the opening two games of the league phase against FC Twente and FC Porto – now Erik ten Hag leads his newly filled with confidence team to Turkey to face a man familiar with the club.
Jose Mourinho awaits Ten Hag, in a game which sees the former United manager under pressure of his own and in need of a win.
Manchester United have not historically been too successful when facing off away from home against a Mourinho-managed team, but Ten Hag needs to change this and build on Saturday’s win over Brentford.
Now, ahead of team news on Wednesday, there have been some youngsters pictured in training – with Sekou Kone among them.
Sekou Kone pictured in first-team training
Malian wonderkid Kone was signed on deadline day from FC Guidars as United beat out interest from several top European clubs for the talented midfielder.
At 18, he is one for the future but the club are confident that he can be fast-tracked and make an impact this season.
Now, it seems Ten Hag has been having a closer look at him, with midfield options slim after Kobbie Mainoo’s injury.
Kone has been pictured in senior training with the United first team in preparation for the trip to Istanbul – donning his very own squad number of 42.
Having not yet made his debut at any level for United, already Kone has impressed Ten Hag with his senior debut already being eyed – perhaps it could come for him this week.
Every Manchester United academy player included in first-team training
Kone was not alone in his inclusion in training, with several of the most exciting Carrington talents also being put through their paces and no doubt evaluated as they bid to feature and possibly be the latest United Academy graduate.
Amir Ibragimov, Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye, Ruben Curley, Sam Mather and Ethan Ennis were all spotted in training as United are set to be without Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo.
Of the seven included, it was reported that a handful could actually be included in the squad to travel to Turkey – with the others likely to be part of the U19 UEFA Youth League game on Wednesday against Zalgiris.
Kone is not likely to make his senior debut this week – although we would imagine he will play in the Youth League instead – unless he has blown Ten Hag away and earned himself a debut against Mourinho.
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