Manchester United's failure to sign a new central midfielder during the summer transfer window could open the door for Sekou Kone to break into the first team during the 2025-26 campaign.
Kone arrived at Old Trafford from Guidars FC in 2024, and he made 13 appearances for the Red Devils at Under-21s level last term, but he is yet to make his first-team debut for the 20-time English champions.
The 19-year-old was involved in the club's post-season fixtures against ASEAN All-Stars and Hong Kong, China, in addition to being included in the preparations for the 2025-26 campaign.
There was an expectation that Kone would leave on loan this summer, with a move to to join Lausanne Sport allegedly being discussed, but head coach Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff wanted to keep the Mali Under-17s international at Old Trafford.
Kone suffered a worrying head injury against Tamworth while representing Man United Under-21s in the National League Cup fixture last month, and he has since been recovering.
However, the midfielder is expected to soon be back on the field with a protective mask, and his performances will certainly be monitored by Amorim due to the Portuguese's troubles in the middle of his midfield.
Manchester United's Sekou Kone on July 19, 2025
Kone is highly-rated by Man United head coach Amorim
Man United ultimately decided against signing a midfielder over the summer; Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba was the leading target, but it became clear that the Cameroon international would be too expensive.
A loan deal for Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher was allegedly explored on transfer deadline day, but Diego Simeone's side were not prepared to let the Englishman leave on a temporary basis.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is also admired by Man United, in addition to Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller, but both players remained with their clubs beyond the transfer deadline.
Toby Collyer's loan departure to West Bromwich Albion has left Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo as the midfield options for Amorim.
However, Fernandes is much more influential as a number 10, while neither Ugarte nor Mainoo are fancied by Amorim at this moment in time to start matches, so Kone's chance could come in the weeks ahead.
The fact that Man United will only play Premier League football between now and January does decrease Kone's chances of earning minutes, but Amorim may not be able to ignore the teenager if he progresses as is expected, with the Malian having the perfect skillset to thrive in the Premier League.
Kone's ability to cover ground is one of his main attributes, but he is also excellent in possession of the ball and has the potential to be a deep-lying playmaker for the 20-time English champions.
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