Manchester United’s midfield roared back to life under former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy but new head coach Ruben Amorim wants to freshen up things.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are likely to leave in 2025 and the Portuguese has already reiterated to the hierarchy that future transfer business must be conducted so that players can handle the intensity his system requires.
The new co-owners are planning to address the lack of goals via the transfer market but a solution for the middle of the pitch could come from the academy with plenty tipping summer arrival Sekou Kone to breakthrough this season.
The Malian was registered in United’s Premier League squad but the club were prepared to afford the 18-year-old time to settle into his new surroundings.
Kone’s start to life at United
He made two appearances before Tuesday, one in the Youth League and the other in PL2 with his most recent appearance coming in the EFL Trophy against Huddersfield last night.
And after a promising beginning, Kone seemed to lose his way and a few sloppy touches meant he was eventually booked and one of his loose touches invited a heavy challenge from the opposition.
Sad to see #sekoukone leave #Huddersfield tonight on crutches after #MUFCu21 #EFLTrophy game #getwellsoon Bro 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/3lwXvzc7Bo
— Alex Nield (@famousalexnield) November 13, 2024
He had to be eventually substituted in the 42nd minute as a result of the knock and was spotted leaving the John Smith’s Stadium in crutches.
His team also struggled and in the end, lost 1-4 against a strong League One side.
Bad injury
The midfielder was also seen wearing a protective boot and it could indicate a major injury issue that could keep him out of action for sometime.
The U17 Mali international moved to Old Trafford from Guidars FC and his signing came about as a result of INEOS’ youth-first approach which also saw the Red Devils sign plenty of top talents in the summer.
Kone is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play further forward and caught everyone’s attention with his performances in the U17 World Cup where Mali finished third.
He had trained with the first team back when Erik ten Hag was in charge and fans will be praying that the injury is not too serious and he can come back soon.
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
