Say what you will about the benefits of a post-season tour following a devastating campaign for Manchester United. Still, the opportunities presented to several academy starlets were notable, with Sekou Kone ticking numerous boxes in both outings.
Ruben Amorim’s men endured a 1-0 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars before a Chido Obi brace lifted his side to a 3-1 victory against Hong Kong in the last of two May fixtures.
Among the many credible showings from a plethora of talented youngsters, the emergence of a potentially brilliant midfielder in 19-year-old Kone resonated throughout the fan base.
In the days following the sides’ return to Manchester, our sources confirmed that Amorim had dedicated individual time with the Mali player and ensured he was more than a thought ahead of a crucial campaign.
With the prospect of a Lausanne move considered for further development, his recent performances, along with a barrage of truly impressive showings in training sessions, have led to a reconsideration of his squad status amidst accelerated first-team plans.
But should the Old Trafford faithful begin to get excited about the former Guidars starlet despite his limited exposure to the English game?
Sekou Kone | A rough Manchester diamond
The transition into life at one of the most revered football institutions in the world presents numerous challenges, with everything from Premier expectations to a differing culture offering hurdles.
Furthermore, a £1 million transfer fee provides additional scrutiny and ample eyes peering attentively in any teenager’s direction.
However, Kone is no typical teenager, and his performances at the 2023 U-17 World Cup, where Mali claimed a third-place finish, caught the imagination of an intrigued audience.
It’s not every day that a budding talent earns comparison to a legendary figure like Yaya Toure, but this is the reality for United’s underage starlet.
Fast forward to the present day, and following a calculated integration period and a gradual easing into the famed U-21 setup, Sekou earned 14 appearances across the EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League, and the Premier League 2.
As his confidence and physical adaptation grew with every passing session, the midfielder began to impose his dominance, gaining widespread acknowledgement across the country.
His round of 16 masterclass in a 4-2 playoff victory against Everton emphasised the ability that United had witnessed, with his goal and assist proving instrumental on the day.
Notably, United player-coach Tommy Rowe retained French lessons to aid in the Malian’s integration into North Western life with an eye on steering their boy towards first-team football.
“Rowy has been excellent with him and they have a brilliant relationship,” Travis Binnion told MEN in April.
“I think Rowy must have been on holiday in the south of France, with how good his French is coming on. The amount of meetings he’s had with him is brilliant.
“We’ve given him that responsibility. They do analysis, but they’ll translate it for him with the language tutor. He’ll [Rowe] sit in the language lessons so he can pick it up, and they’ll do clips with the translator.”
The sum of all parts leads to a raw yet exciting, juvenile yet domineering midfield player who has caught the attention of his Portuguese leader.
Kone has featured in multiple first-team training sessions, and his efforts earned him a place on the bench for Premier League outings against Tottenham, Everton, and Nottingham Forest.
Furthermore, revelations in June from Mali’s head coach Tom Saintfiet suggested an impending place in the senior setup.
However, after deliberation, a decision was made to send the prospect to the Maurice Revello Tournament, where he delivered a series of notable performances ahead of his imminent arrival on the senior stage.
Do Manchester United have a ready-made midfield dynamo on their hands in Sekou Kone? No, and it would be absurd to believe that. However, the 20-time English champions have obtained an uncut diamond with the potential to grow into something very special at the football club.
Financial limitations have increased the likelihood of searching internally for squad depth and able bodies who can grow on the grandest of stages.
Ruben believes in promoting youth, and possesses a proud catalogue of success stories. Kone may very well be his next.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Image via manutd.com
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