Man United's Under-21s fought back from 2-0 to draw 2-2 with Leeds United in the Premier League 2 on Friday afternoon.
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Sekou Kone in possession of the ball.
Sekou Kone impressed at Thorp Arch.(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Sekou Kone inspired an impressive comeback for Manchester United's Under-21s on Friday lunchtime as they fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Leeds United at Thorp Arch.
After trailing 2-0 at the half-time interval, United's youngsters found themselves facing an uphill struggle as they attempted to avoid recording a third defeat in their last four Premier League 2 outings.
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However, a brilliant strike from Kone, who joined the club from Malian outfit Guidars FC last August, and a well-taken penalty from Sam Mather rescued a point for the Reds, who had more than enough chances in the second half to scoop all three points.
Under-21s boss Travis Binnion's starting XI featured a handful of players who have flirted with the first-team in recent weeks, including skipper Tyler Fredricson, Jack Moorhouse and Kone, with each of them making the bench prior to the international break.
Despite making a relatively bright start in West Yorkshire, United fell behind after 28 minutes when Alfie Cresswell's cross-cum-shot caught out United goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes, hit the bar, hit the post and dropped in. The contest was played in very windy conditions and that certainly appeared to have an impact.
Leeds added a second just four minutes later when a low cross from the right was turned home confidently by Harry Gray, who was immediately substituted and replaced by Joe Richards. The young striker was limping as he was forced to come off.
United came within a whisker of equalising ten minutes into the second half when Mather got in behind the Leeds defence, advanced into the penalty area and hit base of the post.
United continued to turn the screw in the hope of getting themselves back into the game and they came close again just two minutes later when Amir Ibragimov's low cross from the left looked set to be turned into the net by a Leeds defender, with the ball looping up into the air before being cleared to safety.
United had dominated proceedings since half-time and once again came close when Victor Musa rose highest inside the box to connect with a corner and send a header just over the bar.
However, the Reds' relentless pressure eventually paid off on 66 minutes when Kone fired in his first goal for the club in any capacity. The Mali youth international connected with with a headed clearance and fired a brilliant left-footed volley into the net.
Sekou Kone fires in for Manchester United's Under-21s away at Leeds United.
Sekou Kone scored his first Manchester United goal in style.
The technique was exquisite, offering an insight into what the youngster is capable of.
Kone, who had been fairly quiet up until getting his name on the scoresheet, was involved in the thick of the action again just two minutes later, winning United a penalty. He was bundled over inside the box after venturing into the right channel of the penalty area.
Mather stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, to set up an exciting final 20 minutes.
The attacker was a surprise inclusion in the squad after leaving United at the beginning of February to join Tranmere Rovers on loan for the remainder of the season. However, he has struggled for game time at the League Two side, making just two substitute appearances.
United twice came within a whisker of scoring a winner in stoppage time when Ibragimov, who was a constant threat, sent in an excellent cross from the left that evaded everyone when all it needed was a touch and substitute Jayden Ngwashi blasted an effort over the bar with virtually the last kick of the game.