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Erik ten Hag excited by Sekou Kone at Man Utd, first-team debut already eyed
Manchester United boast a talented group of youngsters in the academy right now and Ineos added to this in the summer.
After a successful 2023/24, the Manchester United academy has continued on fire to start this season with the U18s winning every game so far – most recently a 4-0 thrashing of Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile, the U21s have also impressed, winning several games impressively – losing only to Man City and Arsenal.
However, this happened without some top prospects who have recently signed for the club – or in the case of Shea Lacey, a talent who is recovering from injury. Meanwhile, after Ineos‘ spending spree, we await the debuts of 16-year-old trio James Overy, Samuel Lusale, Chido Obi-Martin and also 18-year-old Sekou Kone.
The Malian wonderkid was signed by FC Guidars for just £1m and yet is viewed as a pretty special talent. Now, it’s been reported that he is already impressing Erik ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag impressed by Sekou Kone
Since joining United, Kone has been settling into life in England and getting to know his new teammates including Sekou Kaba who he watched United vs Liverpool with.
Kone is yet to make his debut for the academy but has already been gifted a new pair of United-themed shin pads by a fan. Despite not playing, Kone has been training at Carrington and now according to GiveMeSport, he has impressed the coaching staff already.
It’s explained that Ten Hag is among those excited by the presence of Kone at Carrington, which is a testament to his quality.
Kone is expected to be on the fast-track path to senior football for United and then it is suggested there are considerations over him featuring in the squad should United progress further in the Carabao Cup – with a favourable draw likely also a determining factor.
To see Kone handed a debut this year would be a huge statement from the club over the calibre of player they believe they’ve signed.
Plotting path to Manchester United debut
If Kone is to make a debut before the end of the calendar year, his best bet is Carabao Cup football – which we find out United’s fourth-round opponent in on Wednesday – United booked their place with an easy 7-0 win.
United’s European exploits also begin on Wednesday, but a Europa League group stage debut for Kone looks unlikely considering he was not registered by the club for the tournament, however, this could change after the new year and before the knockout stage.
United will be playing the fourth round on October 30th – which does not give Kone much time to get up to match speed with the U21s after a substantial lay-off.
After this, it would be a quarter-final tie on December 18th which the Mali youngster would have his eyes on for a debut.
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