Manchester United summer signing Sékou Kone is inching towards a place in the first team squad.
The 18-year-old Malian was a surprise capture from Guidars in the summer, as he starred in the 2023 Fifa U-17 World Cup with his nation finishing an impressive third overall.
Kone is not expected to take years to break into the first team however, as he is very highly rated around the corridors of Carrington and it was reported in the summer that he was expected to be fast tracked into the first team.
In the last couple of weeks he has also been seen in first team training with an official squad number, hinting that United fans may not have to wait long to see their exciting signing in action.
According to the club’s official website, Kone made his first substitute appearance last weekend against Sunderland and his first European appearance against FK Zalgiris on Wednesday.
United under 18s manager, Adam Lawrence, has credited Kone’s patience to get involved in match day squad’s as he adapts to a new culture and football world at such a young age.
“When you arrive at this club you just want to be playing football and obviously get on the pitch and put on the Man United shirt and show people what you can do.”
“He’s had to be patient. It’s right we’ve built him up slowly. He’s picking up a bit of English, we’re picking up a bit of French, so we’re trying to work it both ways!”
Whilst the Red Devils are clearly excited about the young talent, they are also acutely aware that they do not want to throw him into the spotlight too early and it will probably help Kone, that he is one of a number of young starlets who are aiming to get a chance in the first team squad before the season is out.
Academy products Ethan Wheatley, Harry Amass and Jayce John Fitzgerald were all given the opportunity to make the bench in last night’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League.
Fellow academy player Jack Fletcher, also made an appearance in the matchday squad against Chelsea last weekend and new United manager Ruben Amorim will certainly be keen to make use of United’s highly talented group of youngsters in the not so distant future.
United’s under 18s will take on Everton tomorrow and Kone will certainly hope he can possibly make his first start in a Red Devil’s shirt.
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
