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Manchester United star Sekou Kone shone for Mali Under-23s during the international break, with the 19-year-old midfielder going 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 in top-flight football.
The club developed a plan based on a gradual introduction, designed to help him get used to a new country and culture, both off the field and during the leap into competition on it. And Kone’s improved performances for the youth sides as the season progressed were testament to this sensible approach.
The youngster was even included in several matchday squads by Ruben Amorim, before being selected for both the post-season tour in Asia and the pre-season tour in the United States over the summer.
Manchester World reveals that plans to send Kone on loan to FC-Laussane Sport – the Swiss side owned by INEOS – were considered but ultimately shelved as he believed his development would be better served in Manchester than elsewhere.
There was even a sense that Kone could be primed for a breakthrough season as United’s engine room was in desperate need of more energy and legs – two qualities that the young midfielder offers in abundance.
However, a serious injury suffered in August against Tamworth in the National Cup for the U-21 side ruled him out for three months. He was stretchered off the field and later diagnosed with an orbital fracture when 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 what prodigious talent the club has in their ranks.
A complete performance in midfield
Kone came off the bench for the Mali U-23s against Indonesia in a comfortable 3-0 win at the weekend. He was then given the starting spot in midfield in the reverse match, where he showed off the full complement of his frying pan.
The match finished 2-2, but Kone scored both goals and put on the show for Les Alges. While any midfielder who produces a brace is eye-catching, it was his control of the game, both on and off the ball, that was truly the impressive part of his performance.
Kone was astute and clever in possession, consistently providing boundary-breaking passes and helping Mali build attacks from deep. He was equally strong when Indonesia had the ball, but showed excellent pressing and mobility to regain possession.
The quality of the opposition certainly played a role. But a footballer can only play when he is in front of him, and Kone was one of the best players on the pitch despite not having started a match in almost three months.
As relayed by The People’s Person United are now reconsidering a loan in the second half of the season for the 19-year-old as they look to “make up for lost time”, according to the newspaper. Manchester World.
The report states that the club are likely to consider “any approach made for Kone in January”, with a growing feeling that he is “finally ready for a good taste of senior football”.
The limited schedule for Ruben Amorim’s side, due 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 outside the club.
United’s engine room will undergo an extensive overhaul this summer, with doubts over Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo next year.
But if the Red Devils could welcome one of their prized academy players into the first team after six months in football, it could reshape the club’s strategy in the transfer market – and save them a significant amount of money in the process.
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