United planning stunning Sekou Kone-type swoop for another Malian wonderkid making waves – report

Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on another Mali wonderkid ahead of a possible swoop next summer.

United’s change in transfer policy

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his minority investment into United and became co-owner alongside the Glazers, the club’s transfer strategy has shifted radically from primarily signing already-established superstars to recruiting young and exciting talents that can be nurtured to potentially become world-class.

Over the past year alone, United have brought in the likes of Sekou Kone, Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, Diego Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik.

All the named players except Kana-Biyik have been named in Ruben Amorim’s travelling squad for the United States pre-season tour. Kana-Biyik will spend next season out on loan at INEOS-owned FC Lausanne-Sport.

Kone was also expected to join the Swiss side on loan but those plans were shelved after he impressed Amorim and his coaching staff.

United signed Kone last summer from Malian side Guidars FC in a deal worth around £1m. Club scouts had been closely monitoring Kone, having first taken notice of him in November 2023 at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

He played a key role as Mail beat Argentina to claim a third-place finish in the tournament.

United were also present to watch Kone at an Under-18 tournament in Morocco in April, where he was undoubtedly one of the best players.

Now, according to The Sun, United are repeating this same trick as they consider making a move for another Mali youth international – Angers defender Dan Sinate.

Sinate on United’s radar

The Sun reveal, “Amorim, 40, is also planning for the future with Man Utd eyeing Sinate, 19. The Red Devils will follow the left-back’s progress throughout this coming season.”

“That is after the Manchester giants’ scouts were left impressed by the Mali youth international’s displays during the Maurice Revello Tournament.”

Sinate is said to have stood out during the tournament, which took place in June.

The newspaper adds, “Nevertheless, a move seems more likely next summer or January at the earliest.”

Sinate just put pen to paper on his first professional contract with Angers. A versatile player who can be deployed at left-back, central defence or holding midfield, Sinate started his career at AS Monaco Training Centre, where he lined up for the youth teams.

He had a stint at Deportivo Alaves before moving to Angers’ reserve team in January 2025.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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