“Gifted” wonderkid returns to training just in time as Amorim looks to solve major dilemma – report

Manchester United are lacking balance in the middle of the park, and opposition teams are taking advantage of the gaps being left by Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, who have been Ruben Amorim’s go-to midfield pairing.

The head coach knew this would happen, which is why he instructed INEOS to try and sign Carlos Baleba, but Brighton and Hove Albion stood firm on their valuation, and a move never materialised.

Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Conor Gallagher emerged as alternate targets, but in the end, no midfielder was signed before the window slammed shut.

United are likely to fix that once the window reopens, but till then, it has been surprising to see the head coach’s lack of faith in Kobbie Mainoo.

Sekou Kone returns from injury

While one academy graduate has failed to impress the Portuguese tactician, another could step up. Sekou Kone, of the Carrington’s brightest wonderkids, has caught the eye of Amorim.

So much so that a planned loan move was cancelled and he was kept at United. In fact, he was close to earning his senior debut last season, but this campaign could be the one for him.

Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury while playing for the U21s against Tamworth in mid-August. But as per CentreDevils, the 19-year-old has finally returned to training with Travis Binnion’s boys.

He is expected to feature again after the international break, and likely to train with the first team as well. Interestingly, the report also states that the Malian has improved physically and has been working on improving his English during his time on the sidelines.

“CentreDevils can exclusively reveal that Sekou Kone is now back in training with the U21s, with his match return set to be after the international break.

Finally, his time to shine?

“We can also reveal he is working off the pitch, doing in-person English lessons with an instructor as an attempt to communicate with coaches and teammates more easily.

“Kone is described as a “gifted and hard-working” midfielder, with his skill sets impressing coaches in training. While he is set to play for the U21s, he is expected to train with the first team regularly.

“Sources also mention that the midfielder has improved physically entering the new season and is continuing to improve his physical shape.”

Given the need for midfield reinforcements, it would make sense for the head coach to turn to Sekou Kone sometime this season.

In his performances for the U21s and his cameos during friendlies, he has shown that he has what it takes to eventually make his mark at Old Trafford. Now, Amorim must simply place his trust in the academy as so many coaches have done before him.

Feature image via Instagram

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