United starlet joins elite group with Ronaldo and Beckham to represent nation at esteemed youth tournament

Manchester United’s Sekou Kone has been called up to the under-20 Mali national team.

The Malians will participate in the Maurice Revello Tournament in France.

Kone joined the Red Devils from Guidars in August and has quickly risen through the ranks at the club.

The 19-year-old midfielder has played 14 times for the United academy this season, scoring two goals in total.

He has also made the first-team squad three times for Premier League matches but is yet to make his senior bow.

The club’s official website report that United youngster “Sekou Kone is set to gain valuable experience by representing Mali at the Maurice Revello Tournament.”

The tournament will be contested by eight teams and was won by Ukraine last year.

“Mali face Panama on 3 June, before meeting France three days later and finishing their group schedule with a tie against Saudi Arabia on 9 June.”

Kone has already played a vital role for his national team in youth tournaments as he was a key player in the under 17s’ incredible third place finish at the Under 17 World Cup in 2023.

The Malian will join a long list of illustrious United players who have played in the tournament.

Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes have all represented their nations at this event in the past. Huge names from years gone by such as David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabian Barthez have also all been involved in the youth tournament.

Kone has overcome injury issues this season and has been tipped to make his first team debut in the not so distant future.

Nonetheless, it has also been reported that United may look to loan out the youngster to France or Belgium to continue his development.

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