United starlet dazzles for his country with two goals, he could save INEOS £100m in the summer

Manchester United starlet Sekou Kone dazzled during the international break for the Mali U-23 side as the 19-year-old midfielder goes from strength to strength following his return from injury. A Long Awaited Return Signed from Malian side Guidars FC at the end of last summer’s transfer window, Kone arrived at Old Trafford with a talented reputation, but no English or experience at top-level football. The club developed a plan based on a graded introduction, designed to help him acclimate to a new country and culture off the pitch as much the jump in competition on it. And Kone’s improved performances for the youth sides as the season progressed were a testament to this sensible approach. The youngster was even included in several match-day squads by Ruben Amorim, before being selected for both the post-season tour in Asia and the United States pre-season tour over the summer. Manchester World reveals plans to send Kone on loan to FC-Laussane Sport – the Swiss side owned by INEOS – were considered, but ultimately shelved, with belief his development would be better served in Manchester than elsewhere. There was even a sense Kone could be primed for a breakout season with United’s engine room in desperate need of more energy and legs – two qualities the young midfielder offers in abundance. However, a serious injury, sustained in August against Tamworth in the National Cup for the U-21 side, ruled him out for three months. He was stretchered off the pitch and later diagnosed with an eye-socket fracture as the match was abandoned. Kone returned to action this month after a patient recovery – and his performances for his country this week reminded United fans just what a prodigious talent the club has in their ranks. A Complete Midfield Performance Kone came off the bench for the Mali U-23s against Indonesia on the weekend in a comfortable 3-0 win. He was then handed the starting berth in midfield in the reverse fixture, where he showed the full array of his skillet. The game finished 2-2, but Kone scored both goals and ran the show for Les Alges. While any midfielder who produces a brace catches the eye, it was his control of the match, both on and off the ball, which was the truly impressive part of his display. Kone was incisive and clever in possession, offering constant line-breaking passes and helping Mali to build attacks from deep. He was equally strong when Indonesia had the ball, however, demonstrating excellent pressing and mobility to win back possession. The quality of the opposition certainly played a factor. But a footballer can only play who is in front of him, and Kone was one of the best players on the pitch, despite not having started a match in nearly three months. As relayed by The Peoples Person , United are now reconsidering a loan in the second half of the campaign for the 19-year-old, who is looking to “make up for lost time,” according to the Manchester World. The report states the club are likely to “consider any approaches made” for Kone in January with a growing sense he is “finally ready for a proper taste of senior football”. The reduced schedule for Ruben Amorim’s side, owing to no European football and an early exit from the Carabao Cup, leaves little room for experimentation at senior level. And this means Kone’s long-term future at Old Trafford may now be best served away from the club. United’s engine room will undergo a comprehensive overhaul this summer with doubts over Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo next year. But if the Red Devils could welcome back one of their prized academy assets after six months of first-team football, this may reshape the club’s strategy in the transfer market – and save them a considerable amount of money in the process. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.